Quick Answer
- Unscreened bulk topsoil: $10–$25 per cubic yard
- Screened (premium) topsoil: $25–$60 per cubic yard
- Blended / garden mix: $35–$80 per cubic yard
- Bagged (40 lb): $4–$6/bag → $108–$162 per cubic yard equivalent
Topsoil Price Table (2025)
| Topsoil Type | Per Cubic Yard | Per Ton | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unscreened fill topsoil | $10–$25 | $8–$18 | Grading, filling low spots |
| Screened topsoil | $25–$50 | $18–$35 | Lawn installation, beds |
| Premium garden mix | $35–$80 | $25–$55 | Vegetable gardens, raised beds |
| Sandy loam blend | $30–$60 | $22–$42 | Lawns needing drainage |
| 40 lb bags (retail) | $108–$162 | — | Tiny patch jobs under ½ yard |
Unscreened topsoil may contain rocks, debris, and clods. It's fine for fill but not for seeding a new lawn or garden beds. Always specify screened topsoil for planting applications — the price difference is worth it.
Bags vs Bulk: Cost Comparison
| Purchase Method | Cubic Yards | Approx Cost | Cost per Yd³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagged (40 lb @ $5/bag) | 1 yd³ | $185–$200 | $185–$200 |
| Bagged (40 lb @ $5/bag) | 3 yd³ | $555–$600 | $185–$200 |
| Bulk screened delivery | 1 yd³ | $100–$180 | $100–$180 |
| Bulk screened delivery | 3 yd³ | $175–$250 | $58–$83 |
| Bulk screened delivery | 10 yd³ | $350–$600 | $35–$60 |
Bags become clearly more expensive than bulk at just 1 cubic yard. If you need more than a yard, call a local landscaping supplier for a bulk quote — the savings are significant.
Total Cost Examples
- New lawn (2,000 sq ft at 4"): 24.7 yd³ of screened topsoil = $875–$1,975 material + delivery
- Raised garden bed (4×8 ft, 12" deep): 0.59 yd³ = $60–$120 bulk or 11 bags ($55)
- Filling a low spot (100 sq ft at 6"): 1.85 yd³ = $75–$170 bulk delivered
Calculate How Much Topsoil You Need
Enter lawn or bed dimensions and depth for exact cubic yards and cost estimate.
Open Topsoil Calculator →FAQ
How much does a yard of screened topsoil cost?
Screened topsoil averages $25–$50 per cubic yard for material. Add delivery ($75–$150) for a delivered price of $100–$200 per yard for small loads.
How many 40 lb bags of topsoil in a cubic yard?
A 40 lb bag is about 0.5 cubic feet. One cubic yard = 27 cubic feet → 54 bags of 40 lb topsoil per cubic yard. At $5/bag: $270 vs $35–$80 bulk.
What time of year is topsoil cheapest?
Late fall and winter typically offer the lowest prices — demand drops sharply after September. Spring prices (March–May) are 15–25% higher due to seasonal demand.