Dirt Calculator

By the YardCalc team. Updated November 10, 2026.

Enter the area and how much you need to raise it. The calculator adds extra for compaction and returns cubic yards, tons, dump truck loads and cost.

For curved or odd shapes, add up the parts and enter the total. It replaces length and width.
13.33
Cubic yards to order
14.7
Tons
2
Dump truck loads (10 yd³)
$200
Est. cost

How much fill dirt do I need?

Cubic yards = length × width × depth (ft) ÷ 27 × (1 + compaction allowance)

LengthWidthDepth
Measure length and width in feet and depth in inches. The calculator converts everything to cubic yards.

Fill dirt shrinks as it is compacted, so you need more loose dirt than the finished hole or grade change. Raising a 30 × 20 ft area by 6 inches is 300 cubic feet, about 11.1 cubic yards. With 20% for compaction, order about 13.3 cubic yards.

Fill dirt or topsoil?

MaterialUse it for
Fill dirtRaising grade, filling holes, backfilling walls and foundations
TopsoilThe top 4 to 6 inches where grass and plants grow
Structural fillUnder slabs and footings, to an engineer's spec
Compact in lifts. Spread fill 4 to 6 inches at a time and compact each layer. Dumping it all at once leaves soft spots that settle for years. Finish the top with soil from the topsoil calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a yard of fill dirt weigh?

About 1 to 1.3 tons, depending on moisture and clay content. Dry fill sits near 1 ton per yard.

How many yards of dirt are in a dump truck?

A standard single-axle dump truck carries about 6 to 10 cubic yards of dirt, and a tandem about 10 to 14, limited by weight more than volume.

How much extra fill dirt should I order for compaction?

About 20% when you compact it in layers. Loose dirt left uncompacted needs less up front but will settle later.

Reference charts

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Last updated November 10, 2026. Results are estimates for planning. See how we build and check our tools in our editorial policy. Found an error? Tell us.