Dirt Calculator
This dirt calculator helps you estimate the amount of dirt needed for landscaping, garden beds, yard leveling, and filling low areas. Enter the length, width, and depth of your project to calculate the required volume in cubic yards or cubic feet.
Ordering dirt sounds simple until a supplier asks how many cu yards you want. You might know the size of your yard or garden bed, but that does not tell you the quantity you need to order. The depth matters just as much as the area.
A small difference in depth can change your order by several cubic yards. That becomes expensive when you pay for delivery or have limited space to store the material.
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Before You Order a Truckload of Dirt
Start by deciding what you want the dirt to accomplish. Are you raising a low section of your yard, adding soil to a garden bed, or preparing the ground for a new lawn? Each project may require a different material and depth.
Measure the area you want to fill, then estimate how much higher the finished surface needs to be. If the ground is already uneven, take measurements at several points instead of relying on one depth measurement.
Once you have those numbers, use the calculator to estimate your material requirements.
Keep these three measurements handy:
Length: The distance from one end of the area to the other.
Width: The distance across the area.
Depth: The thickness of dirt you plan to add.
Use feet for all three measurements, or convert inches into feet before calculating. For an irregular area, divide the space into smaller sections and calculate each one separately.
One Yard, Three Yards, or Ten?
A cubic yard measures volume, not the surface area covered by dirt. One yd³ contains 27 cubic feet, which is equivalent to a cube measuring 3 feet on each side.
The same quantity can cover a large area with a thin layer or a smaller area with a deeper layer. That is why the depth of your project matters.
Here is how much dirt different areas need at common depths.
| Area | 3-inch layer | 6-inch layer | 12-inch layer |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10 × 10 feet |
0.93 yd³ |
1.85 yd³ |
3.70 yd³ |
|
10 × 20 feet |
1.85 yd³ |
3.70 yd³ |
7.41 yd³ |
|
20 × 20 feet |
3.70 yd³ |
7.41 yd³ |
14.81 yd³ |
|
30 × 30 feet |
8.33 yd³ |
16.67 yd³ |
33.33 yd³ |
Calculate the Dirt for Your Specific Project
The calculation is straightforward once you have the measurements.
For dimensions measured in feet:
Cubic yards = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27
If the depth is measured in inches while the length and width are in feet, use:
Cubic yards = (Length × Width × Depth in inches) ÷ 324
The second formula accounts for the conversion from inches to feet and from cubic feet to cubic yards.
Example: Filling a Low Area in the Backyard
Imagine that rainwater collects in a section of your backyard measuring 18 feet by 12 feet. You plan to raise the surface by an average of 4 inches.
First, multiply the length by the width and depth in inches:
18 × 12 × 4 = 864
Then divide by 324:
864 ÷ 324 = 2.67 cubic yards
You need approximately 2.67 cubic yards of dirt to fill the measured volume.
This is a starting estimate, not necessarily the final purchase quantity. The area may have deeper depressions, and the selected material may settle or require compaction. Check the finished grade and drainage requirements before filling a low spot, especially if water currently drains toward your house.
Topsoil or Fill Dirt: Which One Belongs in Your Project?
| Material | Common use | What to check |
|---|---|---|
|
Fill dirt |
Raising ground levels and filling large depressions |
Composition, drainage, and compaction requirements |
|
Topsoil |
Preparing lawns, flower beds, and planting areas |
Texture, organic matter, and suitability for plants |
|
Garden soil |
Filling or improving planting areas |
Product ingredients and intended use |
|
Screened dirt |
Landscaping where a more consistent texture is useful |
Screening quality and remaining debris |
Fill dirt is commonly used where volume and ground elevation are the main concerns. Topsoil is generally selected for the upper growing layer, where plants need suitable soil conditions.
Garden soil products can contain different blends of soil, compost, and other materials. Check the label or supplier’s description rather than assuming every product is suitable for direct planting.
For a lawn, the required preparation depends on the existing soil and the condition of the site. A garden bed may need a suitable growing medium, while a construction project may require fill that meets specific engineering requirements.
Why Your Measurements May Not Match the Delivered Pile
A dirt calculator estimates the geometric volume of your project. The quantity you ultimately need to purchase may differ because of ground conditions, material handling, and compaction.
Three factors deserve particular attention.
Uneven ground: A single depth measurement can underestimate the amount needed when one side of the area is much lower than the other. Measure several locations and estimate the average depth.
Settling and compaction: Loose dirt can occupy a different volume after it is placed and compacted. The amount of additional material required depends on the soil type and the intended finished condition.
Spillage and handling: Moving dirt with wheelbarrows or machinery may result in some material being left behind or spread outside the target area. The impact depends on the project and working conditions.
For small garden projects, a modest allowance may be sufficient. Some people start with an additional 5–10% for general landscaping, but this is only a planning estimate, not a universal rule.
For compacted fill or construction work, ask the supplier or contractor to estimate the required loose volume based on the material and compaction specification.
How Much Dirt Fits in a Truck?
Truck capacity is not always expressed in the same way. A supplier might quote a delivery in cubic yards, while another might describe the truck’s physical capacity or weight limit.
Do not assume that a truck can safely carry a particular volume of wet dirt just because there is room in the truck bed. Soil weight changes with moisture content, composition, and density.
If your calculator shows that you need 8 cubic yards, ask the supplier whether that quantity can be delivered in one load. Confirm any minimum order, delivery charge, access restrictions, and weight limitations.
You can estimate the number of loads when the supplier provides a usable capacity in cubic yards.
Number of loads = Required cubic yards ÷ Usable capacity per load
For example, if you need 8 cubic yards and the supplier can deliver 4 cubic yards per load, the estimate is:
8 ÷ 4 = 2 loads
This assumes the supplier can safely deliver the stated quantity per load. Actual delivery arrangements depend on the vehicle, material weight, and supplier policies.
Estimate the Cost Before Placing Your Order
Once you know the quantity, you can compare prices from different suppliers. Make sure you compare the same type of material and confirm whether each quote includes delivery.
Use this simple formula:
Material cost = Cubic yards required × Price per cubic yard
Suppose you need 5 cubic yards of fill dirt and the quoted price is $32 per cubic yard.
5 × $32 = $160
The estimated material cost is $160 before delivery fees, taxes, and other charges.
If a supplier offers a lower price but charges more for delivery, the final total may be higher. Ask for the complete delivered price before making a decision.
Also check whether the supplier sells fractional cubic yards. Some suppliers may have minimum order quantities or round orders to practical delivery amounts.
Questions to Ask Before Paying for Delivery
A quick conversation with the supplier can prevent unexpected costs and material problems. Before confirming the order, ask:
Is the material fill dirt, topsoil, garden soil, or a screened product?
Is the quoted price per cubic yard or per ton?
Does the price include delivery?
What is the minimum order quantity?
Can the truck access the delivery location?
Is the material suitable for my intended use?
For compacted fill, how should the required quantity be estimated?
If you are buying material for planting, ask about its composition and suitability for the plants you intend to grow. For construction work, confirm any project-specific requirements before ordering.
Dirt Calculator FAQs
How do I calculate yards of dirt?
Multiply the length, width, and depth in feet to find cubic feet. Divide the result by 27 to get cubic yards. If the depth is in inches and the other measurements are in feet, multiply length by width by depth in inches, then divide by 324.
How much dirt do I need for a 10 × 10-foot area?
The quantity depends on the depth. A 3-inch layer requires approximately 0.93 cubic yards, a 6-inch layer requires 1.85 cubic yards, and a 12-inch layer requires 3.70 cubic yards.
Is a dirt calculator the same as a fill dirt calculator?
Both use the same volume formula. A fill dirt calculator focuses on estimating the quantity needed for raising ground levels or filling low areas. A general dirt calculator can also help estimate soil for garden beds and landscaping.
How much does a cubic yard of dirt weigh?
There is no single weight for all dirt. Weight depends on soil composition, moisture, density, and compaction. Ask the supplier for the estimated weight of the specific material you plan to buy, particularly if you need to arrange transport.
Should I buy extra dirt?
An allowance may be useful if the ground is uneven or the material will settle. A 5–10% allowance is sometimes used for general landscaping, but compacted fill and construction projects may require a different estimate.
Can I calculate dirt for an L-shaped yard?
Yes. Divide the L-shaped area into two rectangles, calculate the volume of each, and add the results. If the depth varies, calculate each section using its own estimated depth.
How do I calculate the cost of dirt?
Multiply the quantity in cubic yards by the supplier’s price per cubic yard. Add delivery fees, taxes, and any other charges to estimate the total cost.
Can I use a dirt calculator for topsoil?
Yes. The volume calculation works for topsoil, fill dirt, and other materials. However, you should choose the right product for the intended use and account for any material-specific requirements.
Get Your Dirt Quantity Before You Order
The best starting point is an accurate measurement of the space you plan to fill. Once you know the length, width, and depth, the dirt calculator can estimate the volume in cubic yards or cubic feet.
Use the result to compare supplier quotes, plan delivery, and decide whether additional material is needed. For uneven ground, take more measurements. For construction fill, confirm the material and compaction requirements with a qualified professional.