Fill Dirt Calculator
Enter your area and depth to get cubic yards and tonnage of fill dirt for grading, backfilling, and raising low spots — with compaction factored in.
For sloped fills, use the average of the deepest and shallowest points.
Adds ~15% because fill settles when compacted.
How it works
Length × width × average depth (in feet), divided by 27, gives the in-place volume. Fill dirt loses roughly 15% of its volume when compacted, so we show an order quantity with that built in. Weight assumes about 1.3 tons per cubic yard for typical screened fill.
Formula: (Length × Width × Depth÷12) ÷ 27 = cubic yards (× 1.15 for compaction, × 1.3 = tons)
Good for
- Raising low spots and regrading
- Backfilling trenches and foundations
- Building up slopes away from the house
- Sub-base under topsoil for new lawns
Tips
- Fill dirt is for structure; finish the top 4–6″ with topsoil if you're planting.
- Compact in 4–6″ lifts — dumping 12″ at once leaves voids that settle for years.
- Grade a 2% slope away from foundations (about ¼″ per foot).
References
Estimates use standard industry volume math. Cross-check your numbers against the pros:
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Open calculator →Fill Dirt Calculator FAQ
What's the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?
Fill dirt is subsoil — low in organic matter, stable, and cheap, ideal for structure and grade. Topsoil is the nutrient-rich top layer for planting. Fill for the bulk, topsoil for the top 4–6 inches.
How much does fill dirt weigh?
Screened fill dirt runs about 2,400–2,700 lb per cubic yard depending on moisture — call it 1.3 tons per yard for planning.
Why order 15% extra?
Loose fill settles as it's compacted. If you order the exact in-place volume, you'll come up short after compaction — 10–20% extra is standard practice.