Fill Dirt Calculator
Enter your area dimensions and fill depth to instantly calculate cubic yards, tons, and cost of fill dirt — for grading, leveling, raised foundations, and large-scale landscaping.
Quick reference: 1 cubic yard of fill dirt weighs approx. 1 US ton (2,000 lb). Example: 20×30 ft at 6 in = 11.11 yd³ (12.2 with 10% compaction) = one standard 10-14 yd³ truckload. Standard dump truck: 10–14 yd³. Cost: $5–$25/yd³ plus $150–$300 delivery and covers 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep or 54 sq ft at 6 inches deep.
Fill dirt coverage by depth
| Depth | Per 100 sq ft | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 3 in (7.5 cm) | 0.93 yd³ / 0.93 tons | Minor leveling, low spots in lawn |
| 6 in (15 cm) | 1.85 yd³ / 1.85 tons | Standard grading, garden beds |
| 12 in (30 cm) | 3.70 yd³ / 3.70 tons | Significant grade change, foundation prep |
| 18 in (45 cm) | 5.56 yd³ / 5.56 tons | Raised areas, retaining wall backfill |
| 24 in (60 cm) | 7.41 yd³ / 7.41 tons | Large-scale grading, construction fill |
| 36 in (90 cm) | 11.1 yd³ / 11.1 tons | Deep fill, site preparation, embankments |
Fill dirt cost by type
| Type | Per Cubic Yard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fill Dirt (clean) | $5–$15 | Screened, no debris; best for grading |
| Fill Dirt (screened) | $10–$25 | Finer texture, fewer rocks |
| Topsoil | $25–$50 | Nutrient-rich; better for lawn/garden areas |
| Sand Fill | $20–$50 | Good drainage; heavy |
| Gravel Fill | $25–$55 | Drainage layer under concrete slabs |
| Free Fill Dirt | $0 | From excavation sites — check Craigslist or dirt-matching sites |
When do you need a fill dirt calculator?
Fill dirt is subsoil — not topsoil — used for structural depth. Use this calculator before:
- Grading a yard or lot — raising low areas 6–24 inches to redirect water away from the foundation
- Raising a foundation or pad — compacted fill under a concrete slab or shed base needs accurate volume to avoid settling
- Filling an old pool or excavation — large volumes require multiple truckloads; knowing exact cubic yards prevents over-ordering
- Backfilling retaining walls — fill dirt behind a wall must be compacted in 6-inch lifts; calculate each lift separately
- Creating a raised garden border — use fill as the base layer, then top with 4–6 inches of topsoil for planting