Fill Dirt Calculator
Estimate cubic yards and tons of fill dirt for grading, leveling, foundations and landscaping.
This fill dirt calculator converts your project's length, width and depth into the volume and weight of fill dirt you need to order. It works for grading, yard leveling, low-spot fill, building pads, foundation backfill and general landscaping. Enter your dimensions, add a waste percentage for compaction and settling, and optionally add a cost per cubic yard to estimate total cost before you order.
Your Estimate
Project Area
200.0 ft²
Cubic Feet Needed
100.0 ft³
Cubic Yards Needed
3.70 yd³
Estimated Weight
4.81 tons
Extra for Waste
0.37 yd³
Total Material Including Waste
4.07 yd³
Total Weight to Order
5.30 tons
Based on 27 cubic feet per cubic yard and an average fill dirt density of 1.3 tons per cubic yard. Confirm exact density with your supplier before ordering.
Results Actions
Estimates are approximate. Fill dirt weight can vary by soil composition, moisture content and compaction.
Common Fill Dirt Depths and Thicknesses
How to Use the Fill Dirt Calculator
- 1Measure the length and width of your project area in feet.
- 2Determine your target fill depth in inches based on the project type (see depth guide below).
- 3Choose a waste percentage — 10% for simple grading, 15%+ for compaction-heavy or irregular terrain.
- 4Optionally enter a cost per cubic yard to see an estimated total cost.
- 5Read your results instantly: project area, cubic feet, cubic yards, tons and total to order.
Example Calculation
Say you're leveling a 20 ft x 10 ft low spot in your yard with 6 inches of fill dirt and a 10% waste factor. Project area = 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft. Depth in feet = 6 ÷ 12 = 0.5 ft. Cubic feet = 200 × 0.5 = 100 ft³. Cubic yards = 100 ÷ 27 = 3.70 yd³. Estimated weight = 3.70 × 1.3 = 4.81 tons. Extra for waste = 3.70 × 0.10 = 0.37 yd³. Total material including waste = 3.70 + 0.37 = 4.07 yd³.
Accuracy & Assumptions
- Results are estimates only.
- Fill dirt weight and coverage can vary by soil composition, moisture content and supplier.
- Consider ordering an additional 5–10% for compaction and settling.
- Verify all project measurements before purchasing materials.
- Check local building codes and a soils engineer for foundation backfill and structural grading.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much fill dirt do I need to level a yard?
Yard leveling usually needs 2-4 inches of fill dirt spread across the low areas. For a 200 sq ft area at 3 inches, that is about 50 cubic feet, or roughly 1.85 cubic yards before waste.
How deep should fill dirt be for a building pad?
Building pads typically need 6-12 inches of compacted fill, depending on the structure and soil conditions. Always confirm depth requirements with a soils engineer for structural projects.
How much does a cubic yard of fill dirt weigh?
This calculator uses an average of 1.3 tons per cubic yard, though actual weight varies with moisture content and soil composition — confirm with your supplier for precise orders.
How much waste should I add for a fill dirt project?
Use 10% waste for simple grading jobs and 15% or more for projects with significant compaction, uneven terrain or irregular grading.
Can I use this calculator for foundation backfill?
Yes. Enter your foundation area and desired backfill depth, but note that structural backfill depth varies significantly by project — consult a soils engineer for load-bearing applications.
This calculator provides an estimate for planning purposes only. Fill dirt density, composition and supplier packaging vary — always confirm final quantities with your supplier before purchasing, and consult a soils engineer for structural or load-bearing fill.