Soil and grading guide
Fill dirt calculator
Estimate cubic yards of fill dirt for grading, backfill, leveling low spots, building up a site, or filling around a foundation.
Quick answer: Length in feet × width in feet × depth in feet ÷ 27 = cubic yards of fill dirt.
Grading dimensions
Rectangle is the default; circle and triangle cover round beds and corners
Weight changes with type; volume does not
Fill dirt settles 10–15% — Light or Standard for most jobs; Heavy for deep compacted lifts
e.g. 3 identical beds
Cost estimate
Estimate
Cubic yards7.41
Cubic meters5.66
Weight8.15 tons
Tonnes7.39
With settlement (×1.10)8.15 yd³
Overage weight8.96 tons
Fill dirt compacts — order the overage, especially under slabs or pavers. Confirm screened vs. common fill with your supplier.
Ballpark, not gospel. Fill dirt compacts — confirm screened vs. common fill and delivery minimums with your supplier.
Fill dirt coverage by depth
| Depth | Area covered by 1 cubic yard | Common use |
|---|
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft | Light leveling and low spots |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft | General fill and grading |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft | Deeper base and site buildup |
| 12 inches | 27 sq ft | Deep fill and raised areas |
Fill dirt planning tips
- Measure the average depth across the full area.
- Account for compaction when the soil will be used as a base.
- Confirm whether the supplier sells screened fill, common fill, or structural fill.
- Ask about delivery minimums and truck access before ordering.
Questions people actually ask
Straight answers, no fluff. Then run your own numbers above.
How do I calculate fill dirt?
Multiply length by width by depth in feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of fill dirt cover?
Coverage depends on depth. One cubic yard covers 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 81 square feet at 4 inches deep.
Should I add extra fill dirt?
Add about 10 percent when the area may settle, compact, or have uneven ground.
What is the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?
Fill dirt is commonly used for grading and raising low areas. Topsoil is screened and nutrient-rich for lawns, gardens, and planting.
Planting instead of grading? Try the topsoil calculator, or compare both soil types in the dirt and topsoil calculator.