Fill Dirt Calculator
Calculate how much fill dirt you need to level a yard or fill a hole, in cubic yards, tons and truckloads, with estimated cost.
- Cubic yards
- 2.13
- Tons
- 2.34
- Cubic feet
- 57.5
- Area
- 100 sq ft
Bulk cost
$32
Before delivery and tax
Advanced: material density
Default price is a typical U.S. figure ($5–$30 per cubic yard), reviewed November 2026. Prices vary by region; enter your supplier's price for an exact total.
Fill dirt is subsoil with little organic matter, used to raise grade or fill holes. It compacts well, which is why it is used under structures instead of topsoil.
Loose fill compacts by 10 to 25%, so this calculator adds 15% by default.
How to calculate how much fill dirt you need
- Measure the length and width of the area in feet.
- Decide on depth in inches (see the depth guide below).
- Multiply length × width to get square feet.
- Multiply by depth ÷ 12 to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
Cubic yards = length × width × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27, plus 15% for compaction.
Recommended fill dirt depth
| Project | Depth |
|---|---|
| Leveling low spots | 2–6 in |
| Raising grade near a foundation | 6–12 in |
| Filling a pool or hole | full depth |
How much fill dirt for common project sizes
Cubic yards needed before any waste allowance.
| Area | 2 in deep | 3 in deep | 4 in deep | 6 in deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 0.62 yd³ | 0.93 yd³ | 1.23 yd³ | 1.85 yd³ |
| 10 × 20 ft | 1.23 yd³ | 1.85 yd³ | 2.47 yd³ | 3.7 yd³ |
| 12 × 12 ft | 0.89 yd³ | 1.33 yd³ | 1.78 yd³ | 2.67 yd³ |
| 20 × 20 ft | 2.47 yd³ | 3.7 yd³ | 4.94 yd³ | 7.41 yd³ |
| 12 × 50 ft (driveway) | 3.7 yd³ | 5.56 yd³ | 7.41 yd³ | 11.11 yd³ |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 yd³ | 4.63 yd³ | 6.17 yd³ | 9.26 yd³ |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 yd³ | 9.26 yd³ | 12.35 yd³ | 18.52 yd³ |
Tips before you order
- Compact fill in 4 to 6 inch layers.
- Finish with a few inches of topsoil if you plan to grow grass.
- A standard dump truck holds about 10 to 14 cubic yards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?
Fill dirt is mostly mineral subsoil that compacts and stays stable. Topsoil contains organic matter that feeds plants but settles over time.
How much is a truckload of fill dirt?
Usually $150 to $450 for 10 to 14 yards delivered, depending on distance.