Calculating Cubic Yards Of Dirt Calculator

Instantly calculate cubic yards of dirt, plus tons and cubic feet, for free.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Instant results

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How to use it

  1. Enter length in feet.
  2. Enter width in feet.
  3. Enter depth in inches.
  4. Click Calculate to see cubic yards, tons and cubic feet.

This calculator turns the three dimensions of a dirt fill—length, width and depth—into the exact volume you need, expressed in cubic yards, cubic feet, and an approximate tonnage. Knowing the cubic yards helps you order the right amount of material, while the ton estimate lets you compare pricing from suppliers that charge by weight. The cubic‑feet figure is useful for checking against local building codes that reference that unit. Simply type your measurements, hit calculate, and the tool instantly returns the three numbers. No guesswork, no extra spreadsheets. Use the results to plan deliveries, avoid over‑ordering, and keep your project on budget. You can also round the cubic‑yard figure up by 5‑10 % to cover settling, and convert the tonnage to metric if needed. The interface works on any device, so you can check quantities on site or from the office.

Pro tips

  • Add 5‑10% extra volume for compaction and settling.
  • Round up to the nearest 0.1 cubic yard when ordering to avoid shortfalls.
  • Measure depth at several spots if the ground isn’t level and use the average.
  • Use the ton estimate to compare supplier quotes that charge by weight.

Real-life examples

  • A homeowner planning a new garden bed needs to know how much topsoil to order.
  • A contractor preparing a foundation trench must estimate fill material to avoid costly delays.
  • A landscaper ordering mulch for a park project wants to match the supplier’s ton pricing.

Case study

Jane needed 2.5 cubic yards of soil for a raised garden. Using the calculator she entered 10 ft × 8 ft × 6 in, got 1.78 cubic yards (≈2.3 tons) and ordered 2 cubic yards, saving $120 and avoiding a second delivery.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert the calculator’s cubic yards to tons?
Multiply the cubic yards by 1.3 US tons per cubic yard; the result is an approximate tonnage.
Why does the depth need to be entered in inches?
Depth is typically measured in inches for landscaping projects, and the calculator automatically converts it to feet for volume calculations.
Should I round the result up or down?
Round up to ensure you have enough material; a small excess is cheaper than a second delivery.
Can I use this calculator for sand or gravel?
Yes, but remember the weight per cubic yard differs; the ton estimate here is based on dirt at 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
Is the calculator accurate for uneven ground?
For uneven areas, take several depth measurements, average them, and input that average depth for a reliable estimate.