Fill Dirt Calculator
Calculate cubic yards of fill dirt for low spots, grade raises, and compacted backfill.
Fill Dirt Estimate
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Last updated June 22, 2026 by our expert review team
Delivered Price-Per-Yard Optimizer
Flat delivery fees punish small loads. See when topping off is nearly free.
Many suppliers waive delivery on bulk orders (often 10+ yd).
Your 7 yd order
$195
$27.86/yd (+$90 delivery)
Full 10 yd (free delivery)
$150
$15.00/yd
Cost per yard drops as the flat fee spreads — then levels off once delivery is free
Ordering the full 10 yd costs $45 less than your 7 yd — free delivery more than pays for the extra 3 yd. Order the full load.
Prices vary by region and season; spring runs 15–25% higher. Confirm the supplier's free-delivery minimum.
Fill Dirt Planning Table
These examples include typical compaction and ordering cushion. Use average depth for sloped areas.
| Project | Size | Compacted volume | Order about |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low spot repair | 120 sq ft at 4 in | 1.5 cu yd | 1.9 cu yd |
| Yard grading strip | 240 sq ft at 6 in | 4.4 cu yd | 5.9 cu yd |
| Foundation slope | 180 sq ft at 6 in avg | 3.3 cu yd | 4.4 cu yd |
| Deep fill | 192 sq ft at 24 in | 14.2 cu yd | 21.2 cu yd |
Expert Contributors
Ruth Wairimu
Landscape Architect
Landscape architect with 9+ years of experience, AAK member, IFLA climate activist, and founder of Bloomwell.
See full profileHawkin
Certified Cost & Estimating Professional
AACE-certified estimator working with 20+ insulation companies including the two largest franchises in America.
See full profileUpdated May 2026
How we verify our calculatorsFill Dirt Builds Grade
Build the shape with compacted fill dirt, then use topsoil only as the planting cap. Around a house, keep the finished surface draining away from the foundation.
Loose fill settles as it is compacted. Order by the loose truck volume needed to reach the compacted grade.
Pro Tips
Use fill dirt for raising grade and filling low areas. Use topsoil only as the thin planting layer on top.
Think in compacted volume first. Loose material in the truck will shrink as it is spread, watered, and compacted.
For drainage near a house, the surface should slope away from the foundation. Do not bury siding or vents to get that slope.
If you are removing soil instead of adding it, use the excavation calculator.
How This Calculator Works
First, the calculator finds the compacted volume from length, width, and average depth. That is the shape you want after the dirt is spread and tamped.
Then it adds shrinkage and ordering cushion to estimate loose truck volume. This is the number to use when calling a supplier.
Core formulas
Compacted cubic yards = length x width x depth / 27
Loose order = compacted volume x (1 + compaction %) x (1 + cushion %)
Tons = loose cubic yards x material density
Fill vs Soil
- Fill dirt
- Raises grade and fills voids.
- Topsoil
- Thin planting layer only.
- Excavation
- Removing material, not adding it.
- Truck planning
- Round up before scheduling delivery.
Compaction Factor by Soil Type
Loose fill shrinks as it's tamped and watered. Order this much extra over the compacted volume your hole measures. Clay holds the most air, so it shrinks the most.
| Fill type | Compaction factor | Order extra | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandy fill | 1.20 | +20% | Drains well, compacts the least |
| Clean / mixed fill | 1.25 | +25% | The common all-purpose default |
| Screened fill | 1.25 | +25% | Uniform, predictable settling |
| Clay fill | 1.30 | +30% | Most air pockets, shrinks the most |
| Structural fill | 1.30 | +30% | Engineered to a tight compacted density |
A plate compactor or heavy lifts push toward the higher end. Skip compaction for loose decorative fill and the factor drops toward zero.
Common Fill Dirt Examples
Low spot repair
12 x 10 ft, 4 in deep
about 1.9 cu yd
Screened fill works well when grass will go back on top.
Yard grading strip
40 x 6 ft, 6 in average
about 5.9 cu yd
A typical one-load order with compaction included.
Foundation slope
30 x 6 ft, 6 in average
about 4.4 cu yd
Keep the finished grade sloping away from the house.
Fill Dirt FAQ
How do I calculate fill dirt?
Multiply length by width by average depth to get compacted volume, then add compaction shrinkage and a small ordering cushion.
How much does fill dirt compact?
Plan on about 15 to 30 percent extra loose material, depending on soil type, moisture, and how firmly it is compacted.
Can I use topsoil as fill dirt?
Use topsoil only as the surface layer for planting. It contains organic matter and is not a stable bulk fill material.
How many cubic yards are in a truckload?
Small dump trucks often carry around 8 cubic yards. Standard and tandem trucks commonly range from about 12 to 16 cubic yards by volume, with weight limits still applying.
What depth should I enter for a slope?
Use average depth. If one edge is 2 inches and the other is 10 inches, enter about 6 inches.
When should I use the excavation calculator?
Use the Excavation Calculator when you are hauling soil away instead of adding fill.
Important Disclaimer
These estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, material availability, and project complexity. Always get at least 3 local quotes. This calculator does not replace professional advice.