Calculate fill dirt volume in cubic yards and tons. Enter area and depth to estimate how much fill material you need for grading and backfill.
Fill dirt is one of the most commonly ordered materials in construction and landscaping. Whether you're raising a low spot, backfilling a foundation, building up a pad for a shed, or creating a berm, you need to know exactly how many cubic yards and tons to order. Under-ordering means extra delivery fees and project delays; over-ordering means paying for material you can't use.
This calculator takes the area you need to fill and the desired depth, then converts those measurements into cubic yards and estimated tons based on the density of the fill material. Clean fill dirt typically weighs 1.1 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard, depending on moisture content and soil composition.
Use this tool to get accurate quotes from material suppliers and plan your project timeline around delivery schedules.
By quantifying this parameter precisely, construction teams can optimize material orders, reduce on-site waste, and ensure structural requirements are met safely and efficiently.
Fill dirt is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. Knowing both values lets you compare prices from different suppliers who may quote in different units. This calculator also helps you estimate trucking needs so your material arrives on schedule without overwhelming your staging area. This quantitative approach replaces rule-of-thumb estimates with precise calculations, minimizing material waste and reducing the likelihood of costly change orders during construction.
Volume (ft³) = Area (ft²) × Depth (ft) Volume (yd³) = Volume (ft³) ÷ 27 Weight (tons) = Volume (yd³) × Density (tons/yd³)
Result: 18.52 CY / 23.15 tons
A 1,000 sq ft area filled 6 inches deep (0.5 ft) yields 500 ft³ or 18.52 yd³. At a density of 1.25 tons per cubic yard, you need approximately 23.15 tons of fill dirt. That's about 2 tandem truck loads.
The basic formula multiplies your area by the desired depth to get volume in cubic feet, then divides by 27 to convert to cubic yards. If you're filling an irregular shape, break it into rectangles, calculate each separately, and sum the volumes.
Clean fill is screened and free of organics — required for most structural applications. Common fill may contain small rocks and mixed soil types. Engineered fill is tested and certified to meet specific compaction and bearing requirements for foundations.
Always compact fill in lifts (layers) of 6–8 inches. Use a plate compactor for granular soils and a sheepsfoot roller for clay soils. Each lift should reach 95% Standard Proctor density for structural applications. Water content affects compaction — the soil should be near its optimum moisture content.
Get quotes from multiple suppliers. Specify clean or common fill based on your needs. Schedule deliveries so material can be placed and compacted the same day — sitting piles can wash out or block access. Verify truck access and staging area size before the first load arrives.
Fill dirt is subsoil material used to raise grades, fill holes, and backfill excavations. Unlike topsoil, it contains little organic matter and is valued for its compactability and stability. Clean fill is free of contaminants, debris, and large rocks.
Fill dirt typically weighs 1.1 to 1.4 tons (2,200 to 2,800 lbs) per cubic yard depending on moisture content and soil type. Dry sandy fill is lighter, while wet clay fill is heavier.
Fill dirt costs $5–$25 per cubic yard depending on quality, source, and delivery distance. Clean engineered fill costs more than common fill. Delivery fees typically add $50–$150 per load.
Fill dirt is subsoil with minimal organic content, used for structural filling and grading. Topsoil is the nutrient-rich upper layer used for planting. Fill dirt compacts better but won't support plant growth on its own.
A standard dump truck carries 10–16 cubic yards. A tandem truck holds 14–16 CY, while a tri-axle carries 16–20 CY. Check weight limits — fill dirt is heavy and may max out the weight capacity before the volume capacity.
Yes, fill dirt should always be compacted in lifts of 6–8 inches using a plate compactor or roller. Uncompacted fill will settle over time, creating low spots and potential structural issues.
Properly compacted fill settles very little. However, loosely placed fill can settle 10–25% over time. Order extra material to account for compaction — typically 10–15% above your calculated volume.
Free fill from construction sites can save money but carry risks. It may contain debris, contaminants, or expansive clay. Always inspect free fill visually and consider testing it if it will be used near a structure or under pavement.