Dirt Calculator
A dirt calculator works out how much fill dirt you need by multiplying your area by the depth, giving a volume in cubic yards, then converting to tons. Fill dirt is used for raising grade, backfilling and leveling, not planting. Enter your length, width and depth below for cubic yards, tons and cost.
depth in inches; fill dirt density ~2100 lb/yd3 (~1.05 tons), varies with moisture and compaction.
- Cubic yards (in place)
- 0 yd³
- Cubic yards (ordered)
- 0 yd³
- Tons (approx.)
- 0 t
Enter length, width and depth to see the volume.
Estimate only. Densities, yields and prices vary by supplier, moisture and region; confirm before ordering.
How Do You Calculate How Much Dirt You Need?
To calculate dirt, multiply length by width for the area, then by the depth in feet for cubic feet, and divide by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by about 1.05 for tons. A 30 by 20 foot area filled 6 inches deep is 300 cubic feet, about 11.1 cubic yards, or roughly 11.7 tons. The calculator handles this and adds an allowance, since fill dirt compacts after placing.
What Is the Difference Between Fill Dirt and Topsoil?
Fill dirt is subsoil used for structural filling, raising grade and backfilling, with few organics so it compacts and stays stable. Topsoil is the rich upper layer used for planting and growing. They are not interchangeable: you fill with dirt and finish with topsoil. This is why the dirt calculator is separate from the topsoil calculator, though both use the same volume math.
Should You Account for Compaction?
Yes. Fill dirt settles and compacts after placement, so the volume you order should exceed the bare hole calculation, often by 10 to 25 percent depending on the soil and how it is compacted. Loose-delivered dirt fills more than its compacted final volume. The calculator includes a waste and compaction allowance so your order accounts for this settling rather than leaving you short.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much dirt do I need for a 30x20 area?
- A 30 by 20 foot area filled 6 inches deep needs about 11.1 cubic yards of fill dirt, or roughly 11.7 tons, before a compaction allowance.
- What is the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?
- Fill dirt is subsoil for structural filling and raising grade; topsoil is the rich upper layer for planting. You fill with dirt and finish with topsoil.
- Should I order extra dirt for compaction?
- Yes. Fill dirt settles after placement, so order 10 to 25 percent more than the bare calculation depending on the soil and compaction.