How much fill dirt do I need?
Fill dirt raises low ground, backfills trenches, and builds up pads for sheds and slabs.
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 fill dirt. Add a price per cubic yard and it also estimates the cost.
Cubic yard calculator for fill dirt
This cubic yard calculator for fill 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 fill dirt cost calculator.
Fill Dirt weight and bags per cubic yard
A planning value for fill 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 fill dirt go?
Coverage depends only on depth. The deeper the layer, the less area a cubic yard covers. The suggested depth for fill dirt is 4 to 24 inches, and 8 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 |
| 24 | 14 | 1.5 |
Fill Dirt needed for common areas at 8 inches deep
| Area | Square feet | Cubic yards | US tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 by 5 ft | 25 | 0.62 | 0.74 |
| 8 by 10 ft | 80 | 1.98 | 2.37 |
| 10 by 10 ft | 100 | 2.47 | 2.96 |
| 10 by 20 ft | 200 | 4.94 | 5.93 |
| 12 by 12 ft | 144 | 3.56 | 4.27 |
| 15 by 20 ft | 300 | 7.41 | 8.89 |
| 20 by 20 ft | 400 | 9.88 | 11.85 |
| 20 by 30 ft | 600 | 14.81 | 17.78 |
| 30 by 40 ft | 1,200 | 29.63 | 35.56 |
| 50 by 50 ft | 2,500 | 61.73 | 74.07 |
Worked example: 30 by 20 feet at 8 inches
The area is 30 feet times 20 feet, or 600 square feet. A depth of 8 inches is 0.67 feet. Volume is 600 times 0.67, which is 400.00 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get 14.81 cubic yards. At 2,400 pounds per cubic yard that weighs about 17.78 US tons. With 10 percent extra, order 16.30 cubic yards.
Tips for ordering fill dirt
- Place and compact fill in layers of about 6 to 8 inches for a stable base.
- Fill dirt is not meant for planting, so cover it with topsoil where grass or beds will grow.
- Expect compaction of 10 to 20 percent, and order extra to make up for it.
Fill is sold by the cubic yard or the ton, and a ton of dirt covers a little less than a cubic yard.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of fill dirt do I need?
Multiply length, width, and depth in feet, then divide by 27. A 30 by 20 foot area at 8 inches deep needs about 14.81 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of fill 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 fill dirt be?
Most projects use 4 to 24 inches. 8 inches is a common choice.
How many square feet does a cubic yard of fill dirt cover?
40 square feet at 8 inches deep, and 324 square feet at 1 inch.