Fill Dirt Calculator
Estimate cubic yards of fill dirt needed for grading and backfill.
Fill Dirt Calculator
What This Calculator Does
The Fill Dirt Calculator computes the cubic yards of fill dirt needed for grading, backfilling, and site preparation projects. Enter the area dimensions and depth to get the volume, plus a 25% compaction factor - fill dirt compresses significantly when compacted in lifts.
Fill dirt is the subsoil material used to raise grade, fill depressions, backfill around foundations, and create building pads. Unlike topsoil, fill dirt contains little organic matter and is primarily mineral content (sand, clay, rock). It is significantly cheaper than topsoil and is sold by the cubic yard. Fill dirt compacts approximately 20-30% during proper placement in 6-8 inch lifts.
Common applications: raising a low yard for drainage, filling a swimming pool hole, backfilling a retaining wall, creating a building pad for a shed or garage, and general site grading.
How to Use
- Measure the length, width, and depth of the area to be filled in feet.
- Enter dimensions into the calculator fields above - depth in inches for shallow fills, feet for deep fills.
- Click "Calculate" to get the loose cubic yards and the adjusted amount with 25% compaction factor.
- Order from a local earthworks supplier - fill dirt is typically $10-$25 per cubic yard delivered.
- Plan for placement in 6-8 inch lifts with compaction between each layer.
Reference Table
| Area | Depth 6 in | Depth 12 in | Depth 24 in | After Compaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | 9.3 cu yd | 18.5 cu yd | 37.0 cu yd | +25% |
| 1,000 sq ft | 18.5 cu yd | 37.0 cu yd | 74.1 cu yd | +25% |
| 2,000 sq ft | 37.0 cu yd | 74.1 cu yd | 148.1 cu yd | +25% |
| 5,000 sq ft | 92.6 cu yd | 185.2 cu yd | 370.4 cu yd | +25% |
| 10,000 sq ft | 185.2 cu yd | 370.4 cu yd | 740.7 cu yd | +25% |
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