CalcMaterials

Fill Dirt Calculator

Find out how much fill dirt to order to raise grade, backfill a hole, or level low spots — in cubic yards and tons — at about 1.2 tons per cubic yard.

Calculate your materials

What you'll need to buy

  • Fill dirt (bulk by the yard)Structural sub-grade fill, deliveredShop
  • TopsoilTo cap the fill for planting or lawnShop
  • Plate compactor (rent)Compacts fill in lifts to limit settlingShop
  • Landscape rake / grading toolSpreads and grades the fillShop
  • Erosion control fabricHolds fill on slopes until it's plantedShop

Links marked Shop open a retailer search (Home Depot) and are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

How the math works

Raising a 30 ft × 20 ft area (600 sq ft) by 6" = 600 × (6 ÷ 12) = 300 cu ft = 11.1 cubic yards. With 15% compaction: ≈ 12.8 cubic yards ≈ 15.3 tons of fill dirt.

Formula

cubic feet = area × depth in feet cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27 tons = cubic yards × 1.2 order with 10–20% added for compaction

Reference values

Fill dirt density & equivalence
MaterialDensity
Structural fill dirt≈ 1.2 tons / yd³ (~2,400 lb)
Clean fill≈ 1.2–1.3 tons / yd³
Sandy fill≈ 1.35 tons / yd³
1 cubic yard= 27 cubic feet
Compaction add10–20% extra

Step by step

  1. Measure the area length and width for square footage.
  2. Decide how much to raise the grade and convert to feet (÷12 from inches).
  3. Multiply area × rise in feet for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
  4. Add 10–20% for compaction and settling, and round up.

Waste allowance

Always add a waste factor: more for diagonal, herringbone, or irregular layouts and for trenches in rocky soil. It's cheaper to round up than to pay for a second delivery.

Bags vs. bulk

Bagged material is convenient for small jobs, but loose/bulk delivery is almost always cheaper per unit once you pass roughly 1–3 cubic yards. Compare the per-cubic-yard price before deciding.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a yard of fill dirt weigh?

About 1.2 tons — roughly 2,400 lb — for typical structural fill. Sandier or wetter fill weighs more, closer to 1.35 tons (2,700 lb) per cubic yard. It's lighter than gravel but heavier than fluffy topsoil.

How much fill dirt do I need to raise my yard?

Multiply the area by how much you want to raise it (in feet) for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Raising 600 sq ft by 6" takes about 11 cubic yards before compaction — add 10–20% because fill settles.

What's the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?

Fill dirt is sub-soil with little or no organic matter — it's used structurally to raise grade, backfill, and level. Topsoil is the dark, nutrient-rich top layer for growing plants. Use fill dirt to build up, then cap it with topsoil where you want grass or a garden.

Why do I add extra for compaction?

Loose fill dirt settles and compacts under its own weight, rain, and tamping — losing volume in the process. Ordering 10–20% extra (more for deep fills) means you won't come up short after it's compacted in lifts.

How many tons of fill dirt are in a dump truck?

A standard tandem dump truck hauls about 10–14 cubic yards, which at 1.2 tons/yd³ is roughly 12–17 tons. Confirm capacity with your supplier, since truck sizes and legal road limits vary by area.

Embed this calculator

Add this free fill dirt calculator to your own site. Copy the snippet below — it's lightweight (a single iframe, no scripts or dependencies). The "Powered by CalcMaterials" credit link is required and must stay a normal follow link.

Preview: Powered by CalcMaterials — Fill Dirt Calculator

More material calculators