Estimate fill dirt for raising grade, filling holes, and leveling ground. Enter dimensions to get cubic yards and approximate tons — with extra allowed for compaction, since fill dirt settles significantly.
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How to use this calculator
- Enter length, width, and depth of the fill area.
- Keep the 15% compaction allowance — fill dirt is the highest-settling material we calculate.
- Add your supplier’s price per cubic yard for a cost estimate.
The math behind it
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27, plus 15% for compaction. Weight uses ≈ 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
FAQs
How much does fill dirt settle?
Loose fill dirt compacts 15–30% depending on soil type and compaction method. The calculator’s default 15% covers mechanically compacted fill; for uncompacted fill that will settle naturally, order closer to 25–30% extra.
Can I grow grass on fill dirt?
Not well — fill dirt is low in organic matter. Cap it with 4–6 inches of topsoil before seeding or sodding.