How to use it
- Enter length in feet.
- Enter width in feet.
- Enter depth in inches.
- Click Calculate to see cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons.
What it does – The Cubic Yard For Dirt Calculator converts the dimensions of your excavation into three useful units: cubic yards (the standard ordering unit), cubic feet (for on‑site measurement), and tons (weight for delivery). Knowing the exact volume prevents ordering too little material, which stalls a project, or too much, which wastes money. The result is based on the constant 1.3 US tons per cubic yard, a common industry estimate. After you input length, width, and depth, the tool instantly shows the three numbers. Use the cubic‑yard figure to request a quote, the cubic‑foot number to mark out the area, and the ton estimate to confirm truck capacity. No complex formulas to remember – just clear, actionable numbers. You can also round up the ton value to match the supplier’s standard load sizes.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra for compaction and settling.
- Round up to the nearest whole ton for delivery quotes.
- Order a little more than calculated to avoid shortfalls.
- Double‑check depth conversion from inches to feet before entering.
Real-life examples
- Planning a new garden bed and need exact dirt volume.
- Estimating fill material for a driveway repair project.
- Ordering soil for a landscaping contract to match truck capacity.
Case study
Mike needed to fill a 12x10 ft area 8 in deep for a garden. Using the calculator he discovered he needed 2.7 cubic yards (≈3.5 tons) instead of guessing, saved $200 on material.