Fill Dirt Calculator

Using the Fill Dirt Calculator is simple. Enter your project dimensions, select the fill type, choose the compaction level, and optionally enter material pricing. The calculator instantly estimates cubic yards, tons, truckloads, and cost. This helps avoid under-ordering or over-ordering fill material.

Fill dirt is clean subsoil used to raise, level, or stabilize land. Unlike topsoil, fill dirt contains very little organic material. Common uses include grading, foundation support, building pads, and backfill projects.

Since it doesn't decay or compress over time like organic soils, it is highly valued as a base layout material in major engineering and earthmoving operations.

Volume is calculated using length, width, and average depth:

The calculator converts measurements into cubic yards, the standard unit used by most bulk soil suppliers.

Weight depends on soil type, composition, and moisture content. Typical loose fill dirt weighs:

• Standard Fill Dirt: ~2,400 lbs per cubic yard (1.2 tons/CY)
• Clay Fill: ~2,700 lbs per cubic yard (1.35 tons/CY)
• Sandy Fill: ~2,600 lbs per cubic yard (1.3 tons/CY)
• Structural Fill: ~3,000 lbs per cubic yard (1.5 tons/CY)
• Mixed Fill: ~2,500 lbs per cubic yard (1.25 tons/CY)

The calculator automatically estimates total tonnage requirements so you can calculate shipping constraints.

Many homeowners use fill dirt to correct low spots, uneven lawns, and drainage issues. This calculator helps determine the correct amount needed. When leveling a yard, you should clear any heavy turf first, pour the fill subsoil, and compact it lightly before layering topsoil for seed or sod.

Construction projects often require compacted fill beneath structures. Slabs, driveways, garages, workshops, and houses must be built on dense foundation pads. Estimating structural fill and applying a 15% compaction factor ensures your pad matches the geometric engineers specifications without settling later.

Backfill is soil returned to a trench or hole after excavation work is completed. It is commonly used around concrete foundations, utility pipe lines, trenches, and retaining walls. The calculator helps contractors budget backfill needs.

Compaction significantly affects soil volume requirements. Loose dirt contains air pockets. When rolled, pressed, or tamped, soil particles compress, shrinking the volume. Most competitors ignore compaction completely, leading to soil shortage.

Typical compaction shrinkage values:

• Light Compaction (5%): Used for garden path backfills and minor low spots.
• Medium Compaction (10%): Standard yard grading, lawns, and drainage fills.
• Heavy Compaction (15%): Structural building pads, driveway subbases, and wall backfills.

Soil yards are typically delivered in dump trucks. Knowing capacity matches orders to truckload quantities:

• Small Utility Dump Truck: 5 to 10 Cubic Yards capacity.
• Standard Commercial Dump Truck: 10 to 16 Cubic Yards capacity.
• Large Tri-Axle Dump Truck: 16 to 20 Cubic Yards capacity.

Clean subsoil fill is generally inexpensive, ranging from $5 to $30 per cubic yard. However, total project pricing is heavily influenced by:

• Delivery distances: Soil is heavy, meaning fuel and trucking logistics represent the largest cost component.
• Soil Quality: Certified structural fill tested for plastic limits costs more than simple unscreened excavation soil.
• Local availability: Areas with high clay or rock content may experience supply margins.

• Low Spot Repair: A 20 ft × 20 ft yard depression filled at 4 inches depth needs ~5.4 yards.
• Yard Regrading: A 50 ft × 40 ft uneven lawn filled at 6 inches requires ~40.7 yards (with 10% compaction factor).
• Foundation Backfill: A 40 ft × 4 ft trench filled 4 feet deep needs ~26 yards.
• Building Pad: A 30 ft × 40 ft slab prep filled 12 inches deep needs ~51.1 yards (compaction factor 15%).