Dirt Calculator: Estimating Cubic Yards for Your Project
Whether you're filling a low spot in your yard, building a raised garden bed, or grading a foundation, knowing how much dirt to order is critical. Order too little, and you'll have to pay delivery fees twice. Order too much, and you're wasting money on material you don't need. Our **Dirt Calculator** helps you estimate the exact cubic yards of fill dirt, topsoil, or soil required for your project.
Why Cubic Yards?
Bulk materials like dirt, mulch, gravel, and topsoil are sold by **cubic yards** (not cubic feet). One cubic yard is a cube that measures 3 feet on each side, which equals **27 cubic feet**. Landscaping suppliers and dirt delivery companies price by the yard, so you need to speak their language.
The Formula
To calculate the volume of dirt needed:
- Convert all measurements to the same unit (usually feet)
- Calculate volume in cubic feet: Length × Width × Depth
- Convert to cubic yards: Cubic Feet ÷ 27
Step-by-Step Example
You want to fill a rectangular area that is 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and needs to be raised by 6 inches.
- Convert depth to feet: 6 inches = 0.5 feet
- Calculate cubic feet: 20 × 10 × 0.5 = 100 cubic feet
- Convert to cubic yards: 100 ÷ 27 ≈ 3.7 cubic yards
You would order approximately **4 cubic yards** of dirt (always round up slightly to account for compaction).
Types of Dirt and Soil
1. Fill Dirt
Fill dirt is subsoil with little to no organic matter. It's used for:
- Raising grade around foundations
- Filling large holes or depressions
- Building up low areas before adding topsoil
Not suitable for planting because it lacks nutrients.
2. Topsoil
Topsoil is the upper layer of soil, rich in organic matter and nutrients. It's used for:
- Lawns and gardens
- Raised beds
- Planting trees and shrubs
More expensive than fill dirt but essential for plant growth.
3. Screened Topsoil
Topsoil that has been sifted to remove rocks, roots, and debris. Higher quality and more expensive, but ideal for seeding lawns.
4. Compost/Garden Soil
A blend of topsoil and compost. Best for vegetable gardens and flower beds.
Compaction Factor
Loose dirt will settle and compact over time, reducing the final volume by 10-25%. Here's what to do:
- For fill dirt: Order 10-15% more than calculated
- For areas that will be walked on or compacted: Add 20-25% extra
- For loose garden beds: Compaction is minimal, so 5-10% extra is fine
Cost Estimation
Prices vary by region and material type, but here are typical ranges (as of 2024):
- Fill Dirt: $10-$20 per cubic yard
- Topsoil: $20-$40 per cubic yard
- Screened Topsoil: $30-$60 per cubic yard
- Delivery Fee: $50-$150 (often waived for large orders)
Delivery Tips
- Most suppliers deliver in **dump trucks** that hold 10-15 cubic yards
- They will dump the material in a pile—you are responsible for spreading it
- Make sure the delivery truck has a clear path and won't damage your lawn or driveway
- Have tarps ready if rain is forecasted (wet dirt is much heavier and harder to work with)
Common Projects and Their Dirt Needs
- 4x8 Raised Garden Bed (12" deep): ~1.2 cubic yards
- 1000 sq ft Lawn (4" topsoil layer): ~12.3 cubic yards
- Foundation Backfill (average home): 15-30 cubic yards
Conclusion
Accurately calculating the cubic yards of dirt you need saves you time and money. Use our **Dirt Calculator** to ensure you order the right amount the first time, and remember to account for compaction and waste.