Dirt Calculator
Find how much fill dirt you need to level ground, backfill or raise a grade.
What you'll need to order
- fill dirt
- screened topsoil (for the top layer)
- geotextile fabric
Prices vary by region and haul distance. Get quotes from at least two local suppliers.
How this calculator works
cubic yards = length × width × (depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27
Fill dirt weighs roughly 82 lb per cubic foot once settled, so a cubic yard runs about 2,200 lb. Order 10 to 15% extra: dirt compacts noticeably after placement and rain.
Worked example
With length 10 ft, width 10 ft, depth 6 in, this calculator returns 1.85 cu yd.
Fill dirt by depth
Figures below assume length 10 ft × width 10 ft. Change any measurement in the calculator to get your own numbers.
| Depth | Fill dirt needed (cu yd) | Approximate weight (tons) | Dump truck loads (10 yd³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 in | 0.93 | 1.02 | 0.09 |
| 6 in | 1.85 | 2.05 | 0.19 |
| 12 in | 3.70 | 4.10 | 0.37 |
| 18 in | 5.56 | 6.15 | 0.56 |
| 24 in | 7.41 | 8.20 | 0.74 |
| 36 in | 11.11 | 12.30 | 1.11 |
Per 100 square feet. Truckloads assume a 10 cubic yard tandem, the common residential delivery.
How much fill dirt for common jobs?
| Job | Size | Fill dirt needed | Material cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filling a small dip | 15 ft × 10 ft × 6 in | 2.78 cu yd | $22 – $83 |
| Levelling a garden | 40 ft × 30 ft × 6 in | 22.22 cu yd | $178 – $667 |
| Filling an old pool | 32 ft × 16 ft × 60 in | 94.81 cu yd | $759 – $2,844 |
| Raising a shed pad | 14 ft × 12 ft × 12 in | 6.22 cu yd | $50 – $187 |
| Grading away from a foundation | 60 ft × 6 ft × 12 in | 13.33 cu yd | $107 – $400 |
Fill dirt settles. Order 20 to 25% more than the calculated volume for anything you cannot compact in layers as you go.
Cost range uses $8–$30 per cubic yard for material only.
What does fill dirt cost?
Material typically runs $8 to $30 per cubic yard. Delivered. It is often free if you collect it yourself — excavation sites pay to dispose of it, so haulage is usually the whole cost.
What moves the price:
- Haul distance, which is nearly all of the price
- Whether the load is screened or contains rubble and roots
- Load size — full tandem loads are far cheaper per yard
- Local availability, which swings with nearby construction activity
Prices are US averages and move with fuel, season and haul distance. Always get two local quotes before budgeting.
Fill materials compared
| Type | Weight (lb per cu ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fill dirt | 82.00 | Structural filling; nothing grows in it |
| Screened topsoil | 80.00 | Growing medium, poor structural fill |
| Sand fill | 100.0 | Drains freely, does not hold shape |
| Crushed stone fill | 125.0 | Best compaction, used under slabs |
| Clay fill | 95.00 | Holds water; avoid near foundations |
Use fill dirt for volume and topsoil for the final few inches. Filling entirely with topsoil is expensive and settles badly.
Frequently asked questions
How much fill dirt is in a dump truck?
A tandem axle truck carries 10 to 14 cubic yards, though weight limits the load before volume does on wet material. Most residential deliveries are 10 yards.
How much does fill dirt cost per yard?
$8 to $30 delivered, and often nothing at all if you collect it — excavation contractors pay to dispose of clean fill, so the haulage is what you are really buying.
How do I compact fill dirt?
In layers of no more than 6 to 8 inches, with a plate compactor, wetting each layer lightly. A single deep fill never compacts through and will settle for years.
How much fill dirt do I need?
Multiply the area in square feet by the depth in feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. A 30 by 20 ft area filled 6 inches deep needs about 11 cubic yards.
How much does a yard of fill dirt weigh?
Around 2,000 to 2,400 lb dry, and up to 3,000 lb when saturated. A standard tandem dump truck carries 10 to 14 cubic yards, so weight, not volume, often limits the load.
Should I order extra dirt for compaction?
Yes. Fill dirt settles 10 to 20% once compacted and rained on. Add at least 10% to your calculated volume, and closer to 20% if the fill is deep or will carry a structure.
Can I use fill dirt for a garden?
Not on its own. Fill dirt has almost no organic matter and drains poorly. Use it to build up grade, then cap it with 4 to 6 inches of topsoil wherever you intend to plant.
How many cubic yards fit in a dump truck?
A single-axle truck carries about 5 cubic yards, a tandem 10 to 14, and a tri-axle up to 16. Most suppliers price delivery per load, so rounding up to a full load is usually cheaper per yard.