MyYardCalc
Landscaping · Material planning

Fill Dirt Calculator

Estimate fill dirt for a measured area, compare material costs and add supplier density for weight. Keep geometric volume and compaction assumptions clear.

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Your project

US & metric

Example values are filled in. Replace them with your measurements.

ft
ft
sq ft

Add other measured sections without counting overlaps twice.

sq ft
in
%

An editable purchasing margin, not a measured compaction rate.

cu ft

Use the labeled volume of the product you plan to buy.

lb / cu yd

Optional. Enter the density of this product to estimate weight.

$
$ / cu yd
$

Enter 0 if included. Bulk cost remains blank until delivery is specified.

Enter your measurements

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The calculation

Volume = net area × depth × (1 + extra ÷ 100). Weight = volume × supplier density.

  • Enter your supplier’s bulk density to show weight. Volume alone cannot determine tons.
  • 10% extra is included once. Confirm supplier minimums and delivery increments.

Saved on this device

Only estimates you choose to save are stored here.

    Measure with a little context

    How to use this fill dirt calculator

    For changing elevations, measure the required fill depth at several points. Use separate sections when depth varies substantially.

    Fill suitability and compaction specifications depend on the intended use. The calculator estimates volume and does not assess bearing capacity or settlement.

    Volume = net area × depth × (1 + extra ÷ 100). Weight = volume × supplier density.

    A worked example

    With the example values shown below, the calculated result is 3.911 cu yd. These are demonstration inputs, not installation specifications.

    View the example measurements
    • Length / circle diameter: 12 ft
    • Width: 8 ft
    • Material depth: 12 in
    • Extra allowance: 10 %
    • Volume per bag: 1 cu ft

    From estimate to order

    Whole packages and pieces round up; measured lengths, areas and volumes keep full precision during calculation. Match the product dimensions and units to your quote, and check cuts, minimum orders and delivery before purchasing.

    Read our formulas, rounding rules and limitations →

    Fill dirt planning questions

    How do I calculate fill dirt on a slope?

    Split the area into sections and measure the required fill depth at several points. Use a representative average depth for each section, calculate its volume, then add the section results. One deepest measurement across the whole site can substantially overestimate the fill.

    How do fill dirt tons and compaction affect my order?

    For US short tons, multiply cubic yards by supplier density in lb per cubic yard and divide by 2,000. In metric mode, m³ × density in kg/m³ ÷ 1,000 gives tonnes. Density and volume must describe the same material state. The allowance field adds a percentage to volume; it is not a tested shrinkage or compaction model. Ask the supplier for the loose-to-compacted relationship. Material cost excludes site preparation and compaction labor.

    How do I estimate fill dirt cost?

    Multiply the required cubic yards by the quoted price per cubic yard and add delivery. For example, 3 cubic yards at an illustrative $25 per yard plus $80 delivery totals $155. Enter supplier prices rather than treating this example as a market quote. Minimum loads, taxes, grading and labor are separate.

    Fill dirt volume for 100 square feet
    Example layer depthCubic feetCubic yards
    2 inches16.6670.617
    3 inches250.926
    4 inches33.3331.235
    6 inches501.852
    12 inches1003.704

    Geometric volumes before allowance, rounded for display. These depths illustrate the formula; they are not installation recommendations. Stone size and installed layer depth are different measurements.

    Calculation notes updated . Formulas, sources and limitations.

    Keep your project moving.

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