Fill Dirt Calculator
Estimate fill dirt in cubic yards and tons for grading, backfill, and foundation prep.
Your Fill Dirt Estimate
- 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 15% waste - fill dirt compacts 15–25% - loose fill settles significantly.
- 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 of compacted fill weighs about 1.5 tons (110 lb per cubic foot), so a 10 × 10 ft area filled 6 inches deep takes just under 2 cubic yards, or about 3 tons. Order 10-15% extra - fill settles and compacts below its loose delivered volume. Enter your area and depth above for yards and tons.
Estimating Fill Dirt Correctly
Fill dirt is sold by the cubic yard. The biggest mistake people make is forgetting the compaction factor - loose fill dirt compacts to about 75–85% of its delivered volume. If you need 10 cubic yards of compacted fill in place, order 12–13 cubic yards to account for compaction. The 15% waste factor in the calculator covers this.
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 calculation with compaction factor:
Cubic yards = Volume ÷ 27
Weight (tons) = Volume × Density ÷ 2,000
With compaction/waste = Cubic yards × (1 + Waste %)
The waste/compaction factor is critical for fill dirt. Loose fill compacts 15–25%. A 15% factor is conservative for most projects.
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.
Related Calculators
After You Know Your Yardage
Fill is the rough layer - finish layers come next:
Fill dirt raises the grade - then add topsoil or gravel on top. Browse our landscaping calculator collection for more tools.