Fill Dirt Cubic Yards Calculator
Enter the area and how many inches of fill you need — this fill dirt cubic yards calculator tells you the cubic yards of fill dirt to order, plus the approximate tons.
Fill dirt is sold by the cubic yard — or by the truckload. A tri-axle dump truck hauls roughly 10–14 cubic yards, so the load count helps you sanity-check the delivery ticket.
Estimates only. Fill dirt density varies with moisture, clay content, and compaction (about 1.2–1.4 tons per cubic yard). These figures are for planning — confirm weight limits and quantities with your supplier.
How the fill dirt cubic yards calculator works
Fill is ordered by volume. Because depth is usually measured in inches and area in feet, the shortcut is: cubic yards = length × width × depth(inches) ÷ 324. That single number tells you how much dirt to order.
Fill dirt is not topsoil. It is unscreened subsoil — mostly clay, sand, and small rock with almost no organic matter — which is exactly why it compacts well and does not decompose and sink the way organic-rich soil does. Use it to raise grade, fill holes, and build up low spots; save topsoil for the top 4–6 inches where grass and plants grow.
Always order extra. Loose fill settles 10–15% as it compacts, so a job that calculates to 20 yards really needs 22–23. Fill dirt converts to weight at roughly 1.2–1.4 tons per cubic yard, and a tri-axle dump truck carries 10–14 yards — the calculator shows both so you can sanity-check the delivery.
yards = L × W × D(in) ÷ 324 · order = yards × 1.10–1.15 · tons = yards × 1.2–1.4
Related tools
Keep exploring: if the top layer is for planting, the Topsoil Calculator sizes screened topsoil the same way — and the Gravel Calculator handles the drainage base that often goes under fill.
Fill dirt cubic yards calculator FAQ
How many cubic yards of fill dirt do I need?
Multiply length × width (in feet) × depth (in inches) and divide by 324. A 40 × 30 ft area filled 6 inches deep needs about 22 cubic yards — then add 10–15% extra for settling and compaction.
What is the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?
Fill dirt is unscreened subsoil with almost no organic matter, used to raise grade and fill holes. Topsoil is screened, darker, and rich in organics — made for planting. Never pay topsoil prices for fill work, and never use fill dirt as your top planting layer.
How much does a cubic yard of fill dirt weigh?
Roughly 1.2 to 1.4 tons (2,400–2,800 lb) per cubic yard, depending on moisture and how compacted it is. Wet clay-heavy fill runs heavier; dry sandy fill runs lighter.
How many cubic yards of fill dirt fit in a dump truck?
A tri-axle dump truck hauls about 10–14 cubic yards per load; a single-axle truck carries roughly 5–7. Order by the yard but confirm truck capacity with your supplier — loads are often rounded to full trucks.
Will fill dirt settle after I spread it?
Yes — expect 10–15% settling as loose fill compacts. Spread it in 6–8 inch lifts and compact each lift (a plate compactor for small jobs, a roller for large ones), and order extra to make up the difference.
How much does fill dirt cost per cubic yard?
Roughly $8–$25 per cubic yard delivered, varying by region and distance — plus a $50–$150 delivery fee on small orders. Clean fill from nearby construction sites is sometimes free if you haul it yourself.
Can I use fill dirt under a driveway or patio?
Yes, as structural fill — but it must be compacted in thin lifts to about 95% density, or it will settle and crack whatever sits on it. For driveways and foundations, check local code; some areas require an engineered fill report.