Fill Dirt Calculator
Estimate fill dirt in cubic yards and tons for grading, backfill, and foundation prep.
How to Use
- Measure the area - length and width of the space to fill.
- Determine depth - how deep the fill needs to be. For uneven ground, use the average depth.
- Adjust density - 110 lb/ft³ for compacted fill. Loose fill is lighter (~90 lb/ft³).
- Use a planning overage - 15% provides a cushion for grading, settlement, spillage, and uncertain site conditions. Do not treat it as a universal loose-to-compacted conversion.
- Specify clean fill - tell your supplier if you need "clean fill" (no debris, rocks, or organic material).
Fill dirt is ordered by the cubic yard or ton: one cubic yard at the calculator's 110 lb/ft³ planning density weighs about 1.5 tons, so a 10 × 10 ft area filled 6 inches deep takes just under 2 cubic yards before overage. The calculator adds a separate planning cushion for grading, settlement, and handling. If your supplier quotes loose delivered yards for a compacted target, confirm their project-specific loose-to-compacted conversion separately.
Estimating Fill Dirt Correctly
Fill dirt changes volume between excavated, loose-delivered, and compacted states, and there is no single conversion that is reliable for every soil. The calculator's 15% setting is a visible planning overage, not a soil-specific shrink/swell factor. For work that must finish at a specified compacted grade, use the supplier, geotechnical report, or project specification for the loose-to-compacted conversion. Filling behind a wall? The retaining wall calculator figures the block and drainage gravel that hold the fill in place.
Fill dirt is one of the cheapest bulk materials - often $5 to $15 per cubic yard at the source, plus delivery ($50–$150 per load). Some excavation sites give away clean fill for free if you haul it yourself. Always ask what's in the fill - "clean fill" means no organic material, trash, or contamination.
Fill Material Types
Not all fill is the same. Choose the right type for your project:
| Material | Density (lb/ft³) | Cost/Yard | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean fill dirt | 110 | $5–$15 | General fill, backfill, grading |
| Structural fill | 120 | $15–$25 | Under foundations, roads, load-bearing |
| Screened fill | 105 | $10–$20 | Landscaping, raised beds, final grade |
| Sand fill | 100 | $20–$35 | Drainage, leveling, under slabs |
| Clay fill | 125 | $5–$15 | Compacts well but drains poorly |
For foundation backfill and structural applications, your engineer may specify a particular fill type and compaction requirement (typically 95% Proctor density). Non-structural fill for landscaping is less critical.
Formulas
Simple volume and weight calculation with a separate planning overage:
Cubic yards = Volume ÷ 27
Weight (tons) = Volume with overage × Density ÷ 2,000
With planning overage = Cubic yards × (1 + Overage %)
The default 15% is a planning cushion, not a universal compaction factor. Soil shrink/swell and loose-to-compacted conversion depend on material and placement; use project-specific data where final grade or compaction is critical.
Fill material cost comparison (2026)
| Material | Per cubic yard | Per truckload (10-15 yd) | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unscreened fill dirt | $5-$15 | $75-$225 | Basic grading, raising elevation |
| Screened fill dirt | $12-$25 | $180-$375 | Landscaping base, smoother finish |
| Structural fill | $15-$35 | $225-$525 | Load-bearing, foundations |
| Sandy fill | $15-$30 | $225-$450 | Drainage, wet sites |
| Clay fill | $10-$20 | $150-$300 | Pond liners, water retention |
Some contractors provide free fill dirt from excavation sites - check local Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Spreading and compaction labor runs $30-$60/hr. Always ask if delivery is included in the quoted price or billed separately.
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Fill dirt raises the grade - then add topsoil or gravel on top. Browse our landscaping calculator collection for more tools.