How Much Does 1 Cubic Yard of Dirt Weigh?

For a first-pass estimate of loose loam, excavated earth or clay, allow roughly 2,100–2,800 lb per cubic yard—about 1.05–1.40 US tons. That range covers Caterpillar’s estimating examples for those materials. Its loose-topsoil reference is lighter, at 1,600 lb per yard. These are planning figures, not minimums or maximums for every soil. (Caterpillar Performance Handbook, June 2022, weight-of-materials table)

A “yard” here means a cubic yard: 27 cubic feet, equivalent to a cube 3 feet on each side. Before using a weight estimate, establish the material type, moisture condition and whether the volume is loose, undisturbed or compacted.

Dirt weight by soil type and condition

The following values come from Caterpillar’s loose-material column. US tons below are calculated at 2,000 lb per ton.

Soil/material category	Weight of 1 loose cubic yard	US tons
Topsoil	1,600 lb	0.80
Loam	2,100 lb	1.05
Dry clay	2,500 lb	1.25
Earth—“dry packed” category, after loosening	2,550 lb	1.28
Wet excavated earth	2,700 lb	1.35
Wet clay	2,800 lb	1.40

These are reference densities, not product specifications. Caterpillar notes that weight varies with moisture, grain size and degree of compaction, and that testing is needed to establish exact material characteristics. A supplier’s current figure for the actual load is more useful than a generic “fill dirt” number. (Handbook, weight-of-materials table and notes)

For material selection rather than weight, see fill dirt versus topsoil. The name alone does not establish density or suitability for structural fill.

Why the same yard can weigh differently

Water adds load. Soil contains pore spaces filled with air or water. A dry-soil density excludes the water’s weight, so it should not be treated as the delivered weight of damp dirt. Organic matter and the arrangement of mineral particles also affect density; loose, porous soils and soils high in organic matter generally have lower dry bulk density. (USDA-NRCS soil density and moisture guide)

Excavation changes volume. Keep these three measurements separate:

• Bank cubic yard: soil in its undisturbed position before excavation.
• Loose cubic yard: excavated soil in a pile, bucket or truck body.
• Compacted cubic yard: soil after placement and compaction.

Digging generally increases the volume occupied by the same material; compaction reduces pore space. Neither operation inherently adds soil weight, provided no soil or water is added or removed. (Caterpillar handbook, volume measure and swell)

For example, Caterpillar lists its “dry packed” earth category at 3,200 lb per bank yard but 2,550 lb per loose yard. On those reference densities, one bank yard becomes approximately 1.25 loose yards, while the total material still weighs about 3,200 lb. Do not multiply an excavation’s bank volume by a loose density without accounting for that volume change. (Handbook, weight-of-materials table)

Convert your dirt volume into weight

Use a density that matches the material’s condition:

Weight (lb) = cubic yards × pounds per cubic yard

US tons = pounds ÷ 2,000

At the 2,700 lb/yd³ wet-earth reference:

• Half a loose yard weighs 1,350 lb.
• Three loose yards weigh 8,100 lb, or 4.05 US tons.

If density is supplied in pounds per cubic foot, multiply it by 27 first: 100 lb/ft³ × 27 = 2,700 lb/yd³.

Before loading, ask the supplier for the current loose weight per yard, including moisture, and whether the order is measured by volume or weighed. If the estimate approaches a hauling limit, use a scale rather than bucket counts. For a pickup, remaining payload must account for passengers, other cargo, added equipment and any trailer tongue weight—not just the dirt. (Ford’s payload guidance)