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Landscaping & YardFill Dirt Calculator — How Much Fill Dirt Do I Need?
Enter the area and depth you need to raise to estimate fill dirt in cubic yards and tons — for leveling, grading, or building up low spots.
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How this calculator works
Volume = area × depth, converted to cubic yards and to tons at about 1.2 tons per cubic yard for typical fill. Use fill dirt for bulk and structure; save topsoil for the top few inches where things grow.
What changes how much you need
- Fill dirt loses volume when compacted — order ~20–25% extra and compact in layers.
- Use fill for bulk; cap it with 4–6 inches of topsoil for anything you want to plant.
- Don’t build fill against a foundation without keeping grade below the siding and sloping away.
- Weight swings a lot with moisture and clay content.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?
Fill dirt is subsoil used for bulk and structure; it has little organic matter. Topsoil is the rich top layer for growing. Fill the bulk with dirt, then cap with topsoil.
How much does a yard of fill dirt weigh?
Around 1.2 tons dry, but wet or clay-heavy fill can be much heavier.
How much extra for compaction?
Plan 20–25% more than the finished volume, and compact it in 6-inch layers so it doesn’t settle later.