Dirt Calculator
Calculate how many cubic yards of dirt, topsoil, fill dirt, or gravel you need. Get tonnage estimates, coverage area, and delivery truck loads for your project.
Quick Formula: Length(ft) × Width(ft) × Depth(ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
1 cubic yard of dirt ≈ 1.1-1.4 tons (2,200-2,800 lbs) depending on material type
📐 Project Dimensions
📊 Material Estimate
You Need
3.70
cubic yards
Cubic Feet
100.0
Area (sq ft)
200.0
Weight (tons)
4.44
Weight (lbs)
8,889
🚛 Delivery Estimate: 1 standard dump truck load (10 yd³ each)
🏗️ How to Calculate Dirt Yardage
Calculating how much dirt you need is essential for landscaping, construction, and gardening projects. Whether you're filling a hole, building a raised bed, or grading your yard, getting the right amount saves money and prevents project delays.
The Cubic Yard Formula
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in feet) ÷ 27
Step-by-Step Example
Problem: Fill a 20ft × 10ft area with 6 inches of topsoil
- Convert depth to feet: 6 inches ÷ 12 = 0.5 feet
- Calculate volume: 20 × 10 × 0.5 = 100 cubic feet
- Convert to yards: 100 ÷ 27 = 3.7 cubic yards
- Weight estimate: 3.7 × 1.1 tons = ~4 tons
Types of Dirt and Their Uses
| Type | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fill Dirt | 1.2 tons/yd³ | Common fill for grading |
| Topsoil | 1.1 tons/yd³ | Garden and lawn soil |
| Sand | 1.35 tons/yd³ | Construction sand |
| Gravel | 1.4 tons/yd³ | Crushed stone/gravel |
| Clay Soil | 1.25 tons/yd³ | Heavy clay dirt |
| Loam | 1 tons/yd³ | Mixed soil, lighter |
Dump Truck Capacities
Small Pickup
1 yd³
Small Dump Truck
6 yd³
Standard Dump Truck
10 yd³
Large Dump Truck
14 yd³
Super Dump
18 yd³
📋 Quick Conversions
• 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
• 1 cubic yard = 46,656 cubic inches
• 1 cubic yard ≈ 0.76 cubic meters
• 1 ton of dirt ≈ 0.83 cubic yards
💡 Pro Tips
• Order 10-15% extra for settling and waste
• Wet dirt can weigh 20-30% more
• Compacted dirt needs ~25% more material
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Frequently Asked Questions
To calculate dirt yardage: 1) Measure your area's length and width in feet. 2) Determine the depth you need in inches. 3) Convert depth to feet by dividing by 12. 4) Multiply length × width × depth to get cubic feet. 5) Divide by 27 to get cubic yards. For example: 20ft × 10ft × 6in = 20 × 10 × 0.5 = 100 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 3.7 cubic yards.
One cubic yard of dirt covers different areas depending on depth: at 1 inch deep it covers 324 sq ft, at 2 inches it covers 162 sq ft, at 3 inches it covers 108 sq ft, at 4 inches it covers 81 sq ft, and at 6 inches it covers 54 sq ft. The formula is: Coverage (sq ft) = 324 ÷ depth (inches).
The conversion depends on the type of dirt. Fill dirt weighs about 1.2 tons per cubic yard, so 20 tons ÷ 1.2 = approximately 16.7 cubic yards. Topsoil is lighter at 1.1 tons per yard, so 20 tons = about 18.2 cubic yards. Sand and gravel are heavier, so 20 tons = fewer cubic yards.
Dump truck capacity varies: a small dump truck holds about 6 cubic yards, a standard dump truck holds 10-12 cubic yards, and a large dump truck can hold 14-18 cubic yards. A regular pickup truck bed only holds about 1-2 cubic yards. Always confirm with your delivery company.
Fill dirt is subsoil without organic matter, used for grading, filling holes, and creating foundations. It's cheaper but doesn't support plant growth well. Topsoil is the nutrient-rich top layer of soil, ideal for gardens, lawns, and landscaping. Topsoil costs more but is necessary where you want plants to grow.
Weight varies by material: Fill dirt weighs about 2,400 lbs (1.2 tons) per cubic yard. Topsoil weighs about 2,200 lbs (1.1 tons). Sand weighs about 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons). Gravel weighs about 2,800 lbs (1.4 tons). Wet materials can weigh significantly more.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on standard material densities. Actual weights may vary based on moisture content, compaction, and material composition. Always confirm quantities with your supplier before ordering.