Bulk vs Bagged Topsoil — Complete Cost, Load & Coverage Guide
Compare bulk vs bagged topsoil. Learn truckload sizes, yard-to-bag conversion, delivery costs, soil weight, and when each option makes the most sense.
Choosing between bulk and bagged topsoil depends on price, volume needed, transport, and project size. Many homeowners buy bags but later discover bulk soil is cheaper. Others buy bulk and later learn bags were easier. This guide simplifies everything: truckload capacity, bag conversions, soil weight, delivery fees, and how to calculate accurate soil volume.
Key Benefits of Understanding Bulk vs Bagged Soil
- Avoid overpaying for soil
- Choose the correct delivery method
- Understand truck load limits
- Plan accurate coverage for your project
- Reduce wasted bags or unused bulk soil
How Much Topsoil Do You Need?
Before choosing bulk or bagged soil, measure your area and depth. Use a topsoil calculator to find exact volume in:
- Cubic yards
- Cubic feet
- Cubic meters
- Bag quantities
- Truckload estimates
Formula Example:
500 sq ft at 1 inch depth ≈ 1.55 cubic yards.
Accurate volume calculation prevents buying too many bags or ordering an oversized truckload.
Bulk Topsoil (Cubic Yard Delivery)
Bulk topsoil is delivered by pickup trucks or dump trucks. It is cheaper per yard and ideal for medium to large projects.
Bulk Soil Benefits
- • Lowest cost per cubic yard
- • Perfect for lawn topdressing, garden beds, and landscaping
- • No plastic waste from bags
- • Fast delivery in one load
Bulk soil is measured in cubic yards, not bags.
Average Bulk Topsoil Prices
- $20–$55 per cubic yard depending on region
- Delivery fees: $40–$120 depending on distance
- Screened soil (cleaned & filtered) costs more than unscreened
Prices rise in spring and early summer.
Pro Tip #1
Order bulk soil early morning. Drivers can unload closer to your project area before driveways or roads get busy.
Truckload Topsoil Capacity (Dump Trucks & Pickups)
Truck capacity varies by model.
Pickup Truck Capacity
- • Half-ton pickup → 0.5–1 cubic yard
- • Full-size pickup → 1–2 cubic yards
Dump Truck Capacity
- • Small dump truck → 5–6 yards
- • Medium dump truck → 7–10 yards
- • Large dump truck → 12–14 yards
Always confirm load limits to avoid overweight fees.
Soil Weight Matters (Truck Limits)
Topsoil weight ranges between 1,800–2,800 lbs per cubic yard depending on moisture. Wet soil weighs more and reduces truck capacity.
Pro Tip #2
If rain is forecast, delay your soil delivery. Wet soil increases weight and sometimes reduces the amount drivers can legally haul.
Bagged Topsoil (Liter & Cubic Foot Bags)
Bagged soil is convenient for small projects, balcony gardens, and quick top-ups.
Bag Soil Benefits
- • Easy to carry
- • Controlled quantity
- • Cleaner and pre-screened
- • Good for raised beds or patch repairs
Bagged soil is usually sold in cubic feet or liters.
Common Bag Sizes
- 25 liters
- 40 liters
- 50 liters
- 0.75 cubic feet
- 1 cubic foot
Cubic Yard to Bag Conversion
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
Bag Conversion Examples
- • 1 cu ft bags → 27 bags per yard
- • 0.75 cu ft bags → 36 bags per yard
- • 40L bags → ~19–20 bags per yard
- • 50L bags → ~15 bags per yard
A topsoil calculator performs these conversions instantly.
Pro Tip #3
Bag counts add up fast for large projects. Anything over 1 cubic yard is almost always cheaper in bulk.
Bulk vs Bagged — Cost Comparison
Example Project: 2 cubic yards of soil
Bulk Soil
- Soil: $40 × 2 = $80
- Delivery: $60
- Total = $140
Bagged Soil
- 1 cu ft bags needed: 54 bags
- Cost per bag: $4.50
- Total = $243
Bulk saves over 40% for medium projects.
When to Choose Bulk Soil
- Your project needs more than 1 cubic yard
- You are leveling or topdressing a lawn
- You are filling raised beds or mulching large areas
Bulk soil is also better for creating soil mixes.
When to Choose Bagged Soil
- The area is small
- You need specialty mixes
- You live in an apartment or townhome
- You want easier transport and storage
Bagged soil is best for indoor, patio, or small garden beds.
Delivery & Access Considerations
- Ensure the truck can reach your drop-off point
- Clear pathways for wheelbarrows
- Protect driveways from tire marks
- Avoid scheduling during rain
Drivers prefer flat, open access.
Pro Tip #4
If access is tight, order split loads or pickup truck deliveries instead of one large dump truck.
Soil Coverage Guide (How Far Your Soil Goes)
1 cubic yard covers:
Coverage changes based on soil density.
Waste Factor & Settling
Add 5–15% extra soil for:
- Compaction
- Settling
- Slope adjustments
- Uneven areas
Bulk soil settles more than bagged because it is loose.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1
Lawn Topdressing
Area: 1000 sq ft
Depth: 0.5 inch
Needed: ~1.55 cubic yards
Best option: Bulk
Example 2
Raised Bed Fill
Volume needed: 0.9 yard
Best option: Bags
(for mix control)
Example 3
Full Backyard Renovation
Volume: 8 yards
Best option: Dump truck
FAQs
Yes. Bulk is cheaper for anything over 1 cubic yard.
Most carry 8–14 cubic yards depending on size.
27 one-cubic-foot bags or about 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft.
Bulk topsoil saves money and time.
Yes. Delivery fees range $40–$120.
Yes. Many gardeners mix bags for nutrients and bulk for volume.
Yes. Wet topsoil is heavier and reduces truckload capacity.
Usually yes. Bagged soil is screened and pre-processed.
Use a topsoil calculator with price-per-yard or per-bag values.
For small beds, indoor gardening, and specialty mixes.
Final Words
Choosing between bulk and bagged soil becomes simple once you know your exact volume and project size. Bulk topsoil offers the lowest cost for medium and large projects, while bagged soil provides cleaner, controlled amounts for smaller spaces. Using a topsoil calculator keeps your measurements accurate so you buy the right amount—whether in bags, bulk, or full truckloads.
Measure smart. Buy wisely. Build confidently.