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Fill Dirt Calculator
Estimate how much fill dirt to order for leveling a yard, filling a hole or raising a grade. Enter the area and the average depth, and the calculator returns cubic yards, tons and truckloads, with an allowance for how much the fill packs down.
Results are estimates. Soil, stone and mulch settle, weigh differently and vary by supplier. Confirm quantities and local requirements before ordering.
Fill needed per 100 sq ft, before compaction
| Depth | Cubic yards |
|---|---|
| 2 inches | 0.62 |
| 4 inches | 1.23 |
| 6 inches | 1.85 |
| 12 inches | 3.70 |
How to calculate it
Fill dirt is sold by the cubic yard or by weight. Multiply the length and width in feet to get the area, then multiply by the average depth in feet (6 inches = 0.5 ft). Divide by 27 to get cubic yards of finished fill.
Loose fill compacts once it is spread and rolled, so order more than the finished volume. This calculator adds a compaction allowance, 15% by default. To get weight, multiply the cubic yards by the density, about 1.3 tons per cubic yard for typical fill dirt.
Worked example
A 30 ft × 20 ft area filled 6 inches deep, with 15% for compaction:
| Area | 600 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Finished volume | 11.11 cubic yards 300 cubic feet |
| Fill to order (loose) | 12.78 cubic yards includes 15% for compaction |
| Weight | 16.61 tons at 1.3 tons per cubic yard |
| Pounds | 33,222 lb |
| Truckloads | 2 loads at about 10 cubic yards per tandem truck; trucks range from 10 cubic yards to 14 cubic yards |
Tips
- Fill dirt is subsoil meant for leveling and filling, not growing. Top it with 4 to 6 inches of topsoil if you plan to plant or seed.
- Fill in layers of about 6 to 8 inches and compact each one. A single thick layer settles unevenly.
- For an uneven hole or slope, measure the depth at several points and use the average.
- Ask whether the supplier sells by the yard or the ton. Wet fill can weigh noticeably more than dry fill.
Assumptions and sources
- Volume = area × depth, plus a compaction allowance (default 15%). Weight = volume × density.
- Densities used: Typical fill dirt 1.3 tons per cubic yard; Dry, loose fill 1.1 tons per cubic yard; Wet or clay-heavy fill 1.5 tons per cubic yard.
- Truckloads assume about 10 cubic yards per tandem truck; real trucks carry 10 to 14 cubic yards, so confirm with your supplier.
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet = 0.764555 cubic meters.
- 1 US ton = 2,000 lb = 907.185 kg.
- Quantities that are bought whole (bags, boards, pavers, pallets) are rounded up.
Densities and bag sizes are typical supplier and manufacturer figures, not guarantees. Unit conversions follow NIST exact definitions. Full details are on the methodology page. Last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of fill dirt weigh?
About 1.1 to 1.5 tons (2,200 to 3,000 lb), with 1.3 tons a common planning figure. Wet or clay-heavy fill is at the heavy end.
How many cubic yards are in a dump truck load?
A tandem dump truck typically carries about 10 to 14 cubic yards. Confirm with your supplier, since truck sizes and weight limits vary.
Is fill dirt the same as topsoil?
No. Fill dirt is subsoil used to fill and level. Topsoil is richer in organic matter and is what you plant in.
How much extra should I order for compaction?
10 to 25%, depending on the fill and how heavily it is compacted. 15% is a common starting point.