Free Landscape Calculator

Fill Dirt Calculator

Calculate exactly how many cubic yards and tons of fill dirt for grading, leveling, raising low spots and land filling. Instant results with US cost estimates.

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Fill Dirt Calculator
Cubic yards and cost for grading
Area to Fill
ft
ft
in
Common Fill Depths
📐 Your Results
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Cubic Yards
Order this
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Cubic Feet
Volume
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Tons
Approx weight
Estimated Cost
Avg. $10–$25/cubic yard
$—
💡 Always order 10–15% extra for waste and settling.

📊 Understanding Your Results

Cubic Yards — Standard unit for bulk fill dirt. A standard dump truck holds 10–14 cubic yards.

Cubic Feet — One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. Fill dirt is rarely sold in bags.

Tons — Fill dirt weighs approximately 1.2 tons per cubic yard when dry.

How the Fill Dirt Calculator Works

Our fill dirt calculator determines how many cubic yards are needed to raise or level a specific area. Fill dirt is used for structural purposes — raising low areas, grading for drainage and filling excavated areas.

The Fill Dirt Formula

Step 1: Volume (cubic feet) = Length × Width × Depth (all in feet)
Step 2: Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
Step 3: Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.2
Step 4: Add 20% for compaction — fill dirt compresses significantly

Example: 30×20 ft area at 12 inches = 600 cu ft = 22.2 cubic yards. Add 20% = order 27 yards ≈ 2 full dump truck loads.

Fill Dirt Depth Guide by Application

ApplicationTypical DepthNotes
Low spot leveling3–12 inchesTop with 4″ topsoil after
Yard grade raise6–24 inchesCompact in 6-8″ lifts
Foundation backfillFull depthCompact every 6″ — critical
Driveway sub-base6–12 inchesTop with gravel then pave

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about fill dirt for grading and leveling projects.

How many cubic yards for a 20×20 area at 6 inches?
400 × (6÷12) = 200 cu ft ÷ 27 = 7.4 cubic yards. Add 20% compaction — order 9 cubic yards ≈ 10.8 tons, typically one full dump truck load.
What is the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?
Fill dirt is subsoil with very little organic matter — used for structural grading. Topsoil is nutrient-rich and needed for plant growth. Always place topsoil on top of fill dirt before planting.
How much does fill dirt cost per cubic yard?
Fill dirt costs $5–$25 per cubic yard. In some areas contractors deliver free fill dirt from construction sites. Check Craigslist free section before buying.
How do I find free fill dirt near me?
Search Craigslist Free section, Facebook Marketplace, local excavation contractors and pool installation companies. Always inspect fill dirt for contaminants before accepting.
How much does fill dirt settle after compaction?
Properly compacted fill settles 5–10% over 1–2 years. Uncompacted fill can settle 20–30% or more. Always compact in 6–8 inch lifts.

💡 Fill Dirt Tips

Add 20% extra — fill dirt compacts significantly more than gravel.

Compact in 6–8 inch lifts — never dump and grade in one pass.

Top with 4–6 inches of topsoil before any planting.