The weight of a cubic yard of dirt will vary considerably depending on the consistency and density of the dirt you wish to weigh. For commercial purposes, a cubic yard of dry dirt can be defined as weighing 70 to 80 pounds per cubic foot, which can then be converted to 1,890 to 2,160 pounds per cubic yard respectively.
In comparison, a cubic yard of mud or wet dirt is estimated, for commercial purposes, as weighing 2,808 to 3,024 pounds per cubic yard. If the dirt that you are trying to measure is in fact mulch, then the weight will be significantly less. Mulch is most commonly made up of organic materials that can be used as topsoil when growing crops. This matter is much lighter than dirt and sand so a cubic yard of mulch may weigh as little as 300 to 500 pounds. These approximations just go to show the stark contrast there can be, in terms of weight, between two different densities of dirt. The contents of the dirt, particularly if it includes sand or water, can have an extreme effect on its weight.
For the most accurate calculation about how much a particular cubic yard of dirt will weigh, you will need to determine which type of dirt it is, and then work out the measurements. One cubic yard is made up of 27 cubic feet, so by weighing one cubic foot of dirt you can then go on to figure out how much the whole cubic yard will weigh. If you are trying to buy a cubic yard of dirt make sure you know what it consists of and how much it weighs. Be wary of any sellers that have a general price for a cubic yard of dirt without specifying what the contents are, as you may not be getting a deal that represents good value for money.
In comparison, a cubic yard of mud or wet dirt is estimated, for commercial purposes, as weighing 2,808 to 3,024 pounds per cubic yard. If the dirt that you are trying to measure is in fact mulch, then the weight will be significantly less. Mulch is most commonly made up of organic materials that can be used as topsoil when growing crops. This matter is much lighter than dirt and sand so a cubic yard of mulch may weigh as little as 300 to 500 pounds. These approximations just go to show the stark contrast there can be, in terms of weight, between two different densities of dirt. The contents of the dirt, particularly if it includes sand or water, can have an extreme effect on its weight.
For the most accurate calculation about how much a particular cubic yard of dirt will weigh, you will need to determine which type of dirt it is, and then work out the measurements. One cubic yard is made up of 27 cubic feet, so by weighing one cubic foot of dirt you can then go on to figure out how much the whole cubic yard will weigh. If you are trying to buy a cubic yard of dirt make sure you know what it consists of and how much it weighs. Be wary of any sellers that have a general price for a cubic yard of dirt without specifying what the contents are, as you may not be getting a deal that represents good value for money.