Length (feet) Enter the length of the area in feet (e.g., 20)

Width (feet) Enter the width of the area in feet (e.g., 15)

Depth (inches) Enter the depth of fill dirt needed in inches (e.g., 6)

Quick Examples:

Small Backyard Leveling Residential Foundation Backfill

Calculate Clear

This calculator provides estimates only. Actual amounts may vary based on soil type, compaction, and site conditions. Contact a landscaping professional for accurate project planning.

Use this free online Fill Dirt Calculator to calculate your fill dirt volume. Simply enter your length, width, and depth to instantly get results in cubic yards and cubic feet. This helps you estimate how much material to order for your project.

How Fill Dirt Volume Is Calculated

The calculator uses a simple formula to find the volume of dirt needed. First, it multiplies the length by the width to find the surface area. Then it multiplies that area by the depth. Finally, it divides by 324 to convert the result into cubic yards. The number 324 comes from converting inches to feet and cubic feet to cubic yards.

This formula works well for rectangular or square areas. For irregular shapes, you may need to break the area into smaller rectangles and calculate each separately.

What Your Fill Dirt Result Means

The result tells you how much fill dirt you need in cubic yards. Most landscaping suppliers sell dirt by the cubic yard. A cubic yard is a cube that measures 3 feet on each side. If your result is 5 cubic yards, you need enough dirt to fill five of these cubes.

A small backyard leveling project of about 5 to 10 cubic yards might fill a single dump truck. Larger projects like foundation backfill may need 40 to 50 cubic yards or more. Knowing your volume helps you get accurate quotes from suppliers and plan your budget.

Consider ordering 5 to 10 percent extra to account for settling and compaction after the dirt is placed.

Accuracy, Limitations & Common Mistakes of the Fill Dirt Calculator

How Accurate Is the Fill Dirt Calculator?

The calculator provides a good starting estimate for planning purposes. It uses standard geometry formulas that work well for rectangular areas. However, actual dirt needed can vary by 10 to 20 percent due to compaction, settling, and uneven ground. Professional contractors often add extra material to account for these factors.

Limitations of the Fill Dirt Calculator

The calculator assumes a flat, rectangular area with uniform depth. It does not account for slopes, irregular shapes, or varying depths across the area. The formula also does not include a waste factor for compaction or spillage. If your site has holes, mounds, or existing debris, the actual amount may differ from the estimate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Measuring depth in feet instead of inches. The calculator expects depth in inches, so a 6-inch depth should be entered as 6, not 0.5.
• Forgetting to add extra for compaction. Dirt settles over time, so adding 5 to 10 percent helps ensure you have enough material.
• Ignoring site conditions. Remove grass, rocks, and debris before measuring to get accurate dimensions.
• Not checking with suppliers. Different dirt types have different densities, which can affect how much you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this Fill Dirt Calculator for?

This calculator is for homeowners, DIY landscapers, and contractors who need to estimate fill dirt for projects. It works well for leveling yards, filling holes, raising ground level, and backfilling foundations. Anyone planning a landscaping or construction project can use it to get a quick estimate.

How often should I use this calculator?

Use this calculator whenever you plan a new project that requires fill dirt. It is helpful during the planning phase to estimate costs and material needs. You may also use it when comparing different project sizes or depths to see how changes affect the amount of dirt needed.

Can I use this calculator for circular or irregular areas?

This calculator is designed for rectangular or square areas. For circular areas, measure the diameter and use a circle area formula instead. For irregular shapes, break the area into smaller rectangles, calculate each one, and add the results together for a total estimate.

Does the calculator account for soil compaction?

The calculator provides the loose volume of fill dirt. It does not include a compaction factor. When dirt is compacted, it takes up less space. Most contractors recommend ordering 10 to 20 percent extra to account for settling and compaction after installation.

Is the Fill Dirt Calculator free to use?

Yes, this calculator is completely free to use. There is no sign-up required and it works on any device with a web browser.