How to use it
- Enter the length in feet
- Enter the width in feet
- Enter the depth in inches
- Click Calculate to see results
The Cubic Yard Dirt Calculator turns the dimensions of your project into three practical measures: cubic yards, cubic feet, and an estimated weight in tons. Knowing the volume in cubic yards lets you order the right amount of fill without overpaying, while cubic feet is useful for comparing to material specs that list capacity in ft³. The ton estimate (1 yard ≈ 1.3 tons) helps you budget transportation and labor costs. Enter length, width and depth, click Calculate, and the tool instantly shows the three results. Read the numbers: cubic yards is the primary ordering unit, cubic feet is the raw volume, and tons is the approximate weight you’ll move. Use the results to compare vendor quotes, schedule deliveries, and ensure you have a safety margin for compaction.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra volume to cover settling and compaction.
- Round up to the nearest 0.1 cubic yard for ordering.
- Check supplier’s yard‑to‑ton conversion; 1 yd³ ≈ 1.3 tons is a good rule of thumb.
- Measure depth in inches and convert to feet before entering.
Real-life examples
- A homeowner prepping a 12 × 15 ft garden bed 8 in deep.
- A contractor estimating fill for a driveway trench 20 ft long, 6 ft wide, 4 in deep.
- A landscaper ordering bulk soil for a park slope covering 200 ft² at 5 in depth.
Case study
Jane needed fill for a new patio. Using the calculator she entered 10 ft × 12 ft × 6 in, got 2.22 yd³ (≈2.9 tons) and ordered exactly that amount, avoiding a $150 over‑order.