Fill Dirt Calculator 2026 - Estimate Cubic Yards & Compaction

For a 10x10 foot area at 6 inches deep, you need approximately 1.85 cubic yards of compacted fill dirt. Because fill dirt compacts by 10-20%, you must order the loose volume: about 2.2 cubic yards. This ensures you have enough loose material to achieve a fully compacted 6-inch layer.

At $8 per cubic yard, 2.2 yards of common fill dirt costs approximately $18 plus delivery. Since most quarries charge a $150-$250 minimum delivery fee, picking up the dirt with a trailer is cheaper for small projects like this.

A cubic yard of fill dirt costs $5 to $15 per cubic yard in 2026 for the material alone. Clean fill dirt averages $8 per yard. Including delivery, expect to pay $150 to $450 per truckload (10-20 cubic yards). Most suppliers have a minimum delivery charge regardless of how much dirt you order.

Clay fill and clean fill cost more ($12-$25 per yard) because they are screened and processed. Unscreened common fill is the cheapest option and works fine for raising elevations and general grading.

Fill dirt compacts 10% to 25% by volume depending on the soil type and compaction method. Clay soils compact up to 20-25%, while sandy or loamy soils compact 10-15%. If you need 4 inches of compacted fill, you must lay down 4.5 to 5 inches of loose dirt before tamping or rolling.

Always compact fill dirt in 4-6 inch lifts (layers). Trying to compact more than 6 inches at once results in poor density and future settling. For deep fills over 12 inches, rent a jumping jack compactor or a heavy vibratory roller.

To calculate cubic yards of fill dirt: multiply length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. Add 10-25% to the final number to account for compaction. For example, a 20x20 area at 1 foot deep is 14.8 cubic yards compacted, but you need to order 17 to 18.5 cubic yards loose.

Our calculator handles the compaction math automatically. Enter your desired compacted depth, and it will calculate the exact loose volume you need to order.

A standard tandem axle dump truck holds 10 to 16 cubic yards of fill dirt. A smaller single-axle truck holds 5 to 8 cubic yards. A semi-truck with a pup trailer can haul 20 to 25 cubic yards. One cubic yard of fill dirt weighs approximately 1.1 to 1.3 tons, so a full truck carries 15-20 tons.

For large projects requiring multiple truckloads, ask the supplier about "live bottom" trucks. They spread the dirt as they drive, saving hours of loader and bobcat work on site.

Fill dirt is subsoil found beneath the nutrient-rich topsoil layer. It contains rocks, clay, sand, and minimal organic matter, which makes it stable for building. Topsoil contains organic matter that decomposes over time, causing it to settle and shift. Always use fill dirt for structural building and leveling, and topsoil only for the top 4-6 inches where plants will grow.

Using topsoil as fill under a concrete slab or driveway is a major construction mistake. The organic material rots and compresses, causing the structure above to crack and sink. Always build up with fill dirt, then add topsoil at the very end for landscaping.

For leveling a yard, fill dirt should be placed in layers (lifts) of 4 to 6 inches and compacted before adding more. The total depth depends on the slope and drainage needs. For grading around a foundation, aim for a slope of 6 inches over the first 10 feet. Avoid placing more than 12 inches of loose dirt at once without compacting, as it will settle unevenly.

For shallow low spots under 2 inches deep, use a sandy loam or topsoil instead of fill dirt. It is easier to spread and grade for thin applications.

A cubic yard of fill dirt weighs approximately 2,200 to 2,600 lbs (1.1 to 1.3 tons). Weight varies based on moisture content and soil composition. Wet fill dirt can weigh up to 3,000 lbs per cubic yard. Sandy soils are heavier, while clay soils can be lighter when dry but heavier when wet.

A standard half-ton pickup truck can safely haul only 1/2 to 1 cubic yard of dirt at a time. Overloading is dangerous and damages the vehicle. For orders over 2 yards, schedule delivery.