Two ways that I know of to determine soil type.  First one is making a visual observation and trying to determine what you have by the way the soil acts, feels and forms.  Second option would be to take a simple soil test.  I've done this with my local university (Michigan state). Only costs $25 and they'll give you your soil type as well as soil nutrients.  I prefer the soil test because I'm a horrible at determining soil type.

There are three basic soil types: 

1. clay: It's compact and heavy, can hold water, but it's difficult for plants to develop roots into it. 
2. sandy: It's the opposite of clay. It drains fast but tends to loose water and nutritions. 
3. loam: It's dark, rich soil, the best soil for almost everything.

1. loamy sand
2. sandy loam
3. silty clay
4. clay loam

https://ldas.gsfc.nasa.gov/nldas/images/NLDAS_STATSGO_soiltexture.gif