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.
Formula: length in feet × width in feet × depth in feet ÷ 27 = cubic yards of fill dirt.
Calculate Fill Dirt
Use the dirt calculator to enter your project dimensions and select fill dirt. It estimates volume, weight, cost, and a 10 percent overage.
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.
FAQ
Multiply length by width by depth in feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
Coverage depends on depth. One cubic yard covers 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 81 square feet at 4 inches deep.
Add about 10 percent when the area may settle, compact, or have uneven ground.
Fill dirt is commonly used for grading and raising low areas. Topsoil is screened and nutrient-rich for lawns, gardens, and planting.