Calculate exactly how much fill dirt you need for grading, raised beds, foundation fill, and landscaping projects. Get cubic yards, tons, and cost estimates with compaction factors.
20-25% typical for fill dirt settling and compaction
Ready to calculate
Enter your project dimensions
$15/yd³
1.1 t/yd³ • Basic fill, no debris
$25/yd³
1.15 t/yd³ • Filtered, uniform
$35/yd³
1 t/yd³ • Garden-ready
$12/yd³
1.3 t/yd³ • Heavy, compacts well
$20/yd³
1.2 t/yd³ • Good drainage
$30/yd³
1.4 t/yd³ • Compacted base
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| Area (sq ft) | 4" Deep | 6" Deep | 12" Deep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 1.5 | 2.3 | 4.6 |
| 250 | 3.7 | 5.6 | 11.1 |
| 500 | 7.4 | 11.1 | 22.2 |
| 1,000 | 14.8 | 22.2 | 44.4 |
| 2,000 | 29.6 | 44.4 | 88.9 |
*Values include 25% compaction factor
How much fill dirt do I need?
Calculate L × W × depth (ft), divide by 27 for cubic yards, add 20-25% for compaction.
How many yards fit in a dump truck?
Standard dump truck: 10-14 yd³. Tandem: 14-18 yd³. Semi-trailer: 20-25 yd³.
How much does fill dirt cost?
Basic fill: $5-25/yd³. Screened/topsoil: $25-50/yd³. Delivery adds $50-150.
Fill dirt vs topsoil?
Fill dirt: no organics, for grading/structure. Topsoil: nutrient-rich for plants/gardens.
The calculator multiplies your project's length, width, and desired depth to determine total cubic yards needed. Unlike other materials, fill dirt compacts significantly when placed and watered - typically settling 20-30%. We include a compaction factor to ensure you order enough material the first time, avoiding costly second deliveries.
Formula
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 324
With Compaction = Cubic Yards × (1 + Compaction %)