How much dirt do I need?
Dirt is used to level yards, fill low spots, build up beds, and backfill around foundations.
Enter the length, width, and depth of your area above. The calculator shows cubic yards, cubic feet, an estimated weight in tons, and the number of bags if you buy bagged dirt. Add a price per cubic yard and it also estimates the cost.
Cubic yard calculator for dirt
This cubic yard calculator for dirt works for any shape. Pick rectangle for most beds and slabs, circle for round areas, or trench for narrow runs. Open the price estimator under the calculator to add your supplier price, delivery fee, and tax. For a full cost breakdown, see the dirt cost calculator.
Dirt weight and bags per cubic yard
A planning value for dirt is 2,400 pounds per cubic yard, which is 1.20 US tons. Moisture, particle size, and compaction move that number, so treat it as a starting point.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Pounds per cubic yard | 2,400 |
| US tons per cubic yard | 1.20 |
| Kilograms per cubic yard | 1,089 |
| Cubic yards per US ton | 0.83 |
| Cubic feet per US ton | 22.50 |
How far does a cubic yard of dirt go?
Coverage depends only on depth. The deeper the layer, the less area a cubic yard covers. The suggested depth for dirt is 2 to 12 inches, and 6 inches is a common choice.
| Depth (inches) | Square feet covered | Square yards covered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 324 | 36.0 |
| 2 | 162 | 18.0 |
| 3 | 108 | 12.0 |
| 4 | 81 | 9.0 |
| 6 | 54 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 40 | 4.5 |
| 12 | 27 | 3.0 |
Dirt needed for common areas at 6 inches deep
| Area | Square feet | Cubic yards | US tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 by 5 ft | 25 | 0.46 | 0.56 |
| 8 by 10 ft | 80 | 1.48 | 1.78 |
| 10 by 10 ft | 100 | 1.85 | 2.22 |
| 10 by 20 ft | 200 | 3.70 | 4.44 |
| 12 by 12 ft | 144 | 2.67 | 3.20 |
| 15 by 20 ft | 300 | 5.56 | 6.67 |
| 20 by 20 ft | 400 | 7.41 | 8.89 |
| 20 by 30 ft | 600 | 11.11 | 13.33 |
| 30 by 40 ft | 1,200 | 22.22 | 26.67 |
| 50 by 50 ft | 2,500 | 46.30 | 55.56 |
Worked example: 20 by 20 feet at 6 inches
The area is 20 feet times 20 feet, or 400 square feet. A depth of 6 inches is 0.50 feet. Volume is 400 times 0.50, which is 200.00 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get 7.41 cubic yards. At 2,400 pounds per cubic yard that weighs about 8.89 US tons. With 10 percent extra, order 8.15 cubic yards.
Tips for ordering dirt
- Measure the lowest and highest spots of the area and use the average depth.
- Settling is normal, so many people add 10 to 20 percent for loose fill.
- Do not bury roots or trunks of existing trees under deep fill.
Loose dirt shrinks when it is compacted, which is why delivered volume and finished volume differ.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of dirt do I need?
Multiply length, width, and depth in feet, then divide by 27. A 20 by 20 foot area at 6 inches deep needs about 7.41 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of dirt weigh?
About 2,400 pounds, or 1.20 US tons, as a planning value. Ask your supplier for the exact figure.
How deep should dirt be?
Most projects use 2 to 12 inches. 6 inches is a common choice.
How many square feet does a cubic yard of dirt cover?
54 square feet at 6 inches deep, and 324 square feet at 1 inch.