Dirt Calculator: How Much Fill Dirt Do You Need?

How to work it out

Measure the area to fill. For a hole or trench, enter its length and width.
Enter how much you need to raise the ground, or how deep the hole is.
Allow for compaction. Fill dirt packs down when it is compacted, so the calculator starts with 15%. Ask your supplier how much they suggest.
Check the weight before hauling it yourself. A yard of dirt can weigh more than many pickups are rated to carry.

How deep to go

Job	Typical depth
Leveling a dip in the yard	2 to 6 in
Raising a low area or grade	As needed, in layers
Backfilling a hole or trench	The full depth

These are common starting points. Your site, climate and supplier may call for something different.

What one cubic yard covers

Depth	Area covered
1 in	324 sq ft
2 in	162 sq ft
3 in	108 sq ft
4 in	81 sq ft
6 in	54 sq ft

Compact in layers

Fill dirt settles over time if it goes in all at once. It is usually spread and compacted a few inches at a time. For anything that will carry a building, slab or driveway, ask a professional about the fill and compaction it needs.

Finish with topsoil

Fill dirt is for bulk. If you want grass or plants on top, finish with a few inches of topsoil. The topsoil calculator works out that layer.

Common questions

How much fill dirt do I need to fill a hole?

Multiply length, width and depth in feet, then divide by 27. A hole 10 by 10 ft and 1 ft deep needs 100 cubic feet, about 3.7 cubic yards, before any allowance for compaction.

How much does a yard of fill dirt weigh?

Often around a ton, and more when wet or full of clay or rock. Ask your supplier for their figure.

What is the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?

Fill dirt is mostly subsoil with little organic matter, used to raise or level ground. Topsoil is the richer top layer that plants grow in.

Doing this job for a customer? Turn your numbers into a free written estimate on QuoteToPaid.

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