Soil

Fill Dirt Calculator

Calculate fill dirt for regrading, leveling low spots, and structural fill projects.

Inputs

Live estimate

Material needed

11.67 cu yd

Area
500 sq ft
Cubic feet
250
Cubic yards
9.26
Estimated tons
15.17
Estimated truckloads
0.83
Material cost
$175
Total cost
$175

Diagram

Custom areaPlan view6.0"Depth

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How it's calculated

Area is derived from your shape inputs and converted to sq ft.

Depth is converted to feet; cubic feet = area × depth.

Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27, then × (1 + waste %) × (1 + compaction %).

Estimated tons = cubic yards (with waste) × 1.3.

Truckloads = cubic yards (with waste) ÷ truck capacity.

Total cost = cubic yards (with waste) × price per cubic yard + delivery.

Professional guidance

When to use fill dirt

Filling low spots, raising grade, backfilling around foundations, and structural fill.

Recommended compaction

Fill in 6-inch lifts and compact each pass. Loose fill will settle for years.

Pro tip

For structural fill under slabs or footings, use engineered fill (crushed rock) — not clean fill dirt.

Common mistakes

Using fill dirt where you plan to grow anything. It doesn't drain well and won't support plant roots.

Material assumptions

  • Fill dirt density: about 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
  • Fill dirt is subsoil — it lacks the organic matter needed to grow plants.
  • Compacts 15–25%. Order extra to account for it.

Frequently asked questions

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These results are estimates only. Confirm quantities, compaction, waste, and delivery requirements with your supplier or project professional before ordering materials.