MaterialCalculator
Free Fill Dirt Calculator

Level out the guesswork.

Enter your project area dimensions to instantly calculate the cubic yardage and estimated weight of fill dirt required.

Calculate Your Project

Project Diagram

L: 10 ftW: 5 ft3 in

Total Volume

Cubic Yards

Enter dimensions above

Estimated Weight

Tons

Based on Fill Dirt density (1.25 t/yd³)

Recommended Depths for Fill Dirt

Project / Use CaseRecommended Depth
Lawn Leveling1–2 inches
Grading Away from Foundation4–6 inches slope
Deep Hole Filling12+ inches (compacted in layers)

How to Calculate Fill Dirt Volume

Most landscaping suppliers sell fill dirt by the cubic yard. To convert your project area to cubic yards, use this formula:

Volume (cu yd) = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27

Our calculator also multiplies your cubic yard result by 1.25 tons/yd³ (the standard density for fill dirt) to show estimated weight — essential if you are hauling the material yourself or need delivery pricing.

Pro Tips & Insights

1

Fill dirt contains subsoil and rocks. Do not use it as the top layer for growing plants; cap it with 4-6 inches of screened topsoil.

2

Always order 20% extra fill dirt to account for heavy compaction.

3

When filling deep holes, compact the dirt every 4 to 6 inches to prevent future sinking and settling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?
Fill dirt is taken from below the nutrient-rich top layer of earth. It contains rocks, clay, and sand, making it highly stable for foundations and grading, but poor for growing plants. Topsoil is rich in organic matter and is used strictly for planting.
How much does a yard of fill dirt weigh?
A cubic yard of dry fill dirt weighs approximately 2,000 to 2,200 lbs (about 1 to 1.1 tons). If the dirt is wet, it can weigh upwards of 2,600 lbs (1.3 tons) per yard.
How much does fill dirt compact?
Fill dirt will generally compact by about 20% when properly tamped down. You should always order 20% more cubic yards than your raw geometric volume calculation.

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