How to use it
- Enter the length in feet.
- Enter the width in feet.
- Enter the depth in inches and click Calculate.
What it does – You input the length and width of the area in feet and the depth of fill in inches. The tool converts depth to feet, multiplies the three dimensions to give total cubic feet, then divides by 27 to show cubic yards. It also multiplies cubic yards by 1.3 to estimate tons of dirt. Why it matters – Knowing cubic yards helps you order the right amount of material, avoiding costly over‑orders or shortfalls. The ton estimate lets you compare prices that are quoted per ton. How to read the results – Cubic feet is the raw volume, cubic yards is the standard ordering unit for bulk dirt, and tons is an approximate weight based on 1.3 US tons per cubic yard. Use the numbers to confirm your supplier quote before you place the order.
Pro tips
- Add 10% extra volume for compaction and settling.
- Round up to the nearest whole cubic yard when ordering.
- Compare bids using both yard and ton estimates.
- Double‑check depth conversion from inches to feet.
Real-life examples
- A homeowner planning to fill a backyard garden bed.
- A contractor estimating fill for a new driveway foundation.
- A landscaper ordering topsoil for a commercial lawn renovation.
Case study
Sam needed to fill a 12 ft × 8 ft area 6 in deep for a patio. Using the calculator he got 4.0 cubic yards (≈5.2 tons) and ordered exactly that amount, saving $150 by avoiding an extra half‑yard.