Calculator Use
Use this fill dirt cost calculator to accurately estimate the amount of soil required for your construction or landscaping project. Whether you are leveling a lawn, filling a hole, or preparing a foundation, knowing the volume and cost upfront helps in budgeting and ordering from local suppliers.
By entering your project dimensions, unit price, and delivery fees, you get a breakdown of the material volume in cubic yards and the final price including logistics.
- Length and Width
- The horizontal dimensions of the area to be filled, measured in feet.
- Depth (Inches)
- How deep the fill dirt needs to be. For large projects, this is usually between 4 to 12 inches.
- Price per Cubic Yard
- The market rate for fill dirt in your area. Standard fill dirt usually costs significantly less than topsoil or garden soil.
How It Works
The math behind the fill dirt cost calculator relies on converting three-dimensional space into cubic yards, which is the standard unit for selling bulk materials like dirt, mulch, and gravel. The formula used is:
Total Cost = [(Length × Width × (Depth / 12)) / 27] × Price per Yard + Delivery Fee
- Step 1: Calculate Square Footage (Length × Width).
- Step 2: Convert Depth from inches to feet by dividing by 12.
- Step 3: Calculate Cubic Feet by multiplying Area by Depth (ft).
- Step 4: Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards by dividing by 27.
- Step 5: Multiply by price and add the flat delivery fee.
Calculation Example
Example: You have a backyard depression that is 20 feet long and 15 feet wide. You need to fill it to a depth of 4 inches. The dirt costs $12 per yard, and delivery is a flat $75.
Step-by-step solution:
- Area = 20 ft × 15 ft = 300 sq ft
- Depth in Feet = 4 / 12 = 0.333 ft
- Cubic Feet = 300 × 0.333 = 100 cu ft
- Cubic Yards = 100 / 27 = 3.70 yards
- Material Cost = 3.70 × $12 = $44.40
- Total = $44.40 + $75.00 = $119.40
Common Questions
What is the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?
Fill dirt is subsoil removed from deep in the ground. It is usually devoid of organic matter and may contain small rocks or clay. It is used primarily for structural stability and filling large gaps. Topsoil is the nutrient-rich upper layer of soil used for planting and gardening.
How much does a cubic yard of fill dirt weigh?
On average, a cubic yard of dry fill dirt weighs approximately 2,000 to 2,700 pounds (about 1 to 1.3 tons). If the dirt is wet or compacted, the weight can increase significantly. This is important when considering the load capacity of a truck.
Should I order extra dirt?
Yes, it is standard practice to order 10-15% more dirt than the calculator suggests. This accounts for compaction, as loose dirt will settle over time or when stamped down, resulting in a lower finished height than initially poured.