How to use it
- Enter the length in feet.
- Enter the width in feet.
- Enter the depth in inches.
- Click Calculate to see cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons.
What it does – The Dirt Volume Calculator turns the dimensions of a soil or gravel pit (length, width, depth) into three useful measures: cubic yards, cubic feet, and an approximate tonnage. Knowing the exact volume helps you order the right amount of material, avoid costly over‑orders, and plan site preparation time.
Why it matters – Contractors charge by the cubic yard, and delivery trucks have weight limits. Converting depth in inches to yards and then applying the standard 1.3 tons per cubic yard gives a quick weight estimate for budgeting and truck load planning.
How to read the results –
- Cubic yards is the primary ordering unit.
- Cubic feet shows the raw volume for fill calculations.
- Tons (approx) uses the 1.3 ton per cubic yard factor, giving a realistic load weight.
Pro tips
- Add 10% extra volume for compaction.
- Round up to the nearest whole cubic yard when ordering.
- Check truck weight limits before ordering tons.
- Verify depth measurement is from ground surface to required fill level.
Real-life examples
- A homeowner planning to fill a backyard garden bed.
- A contractor estimating material for a new driveway base.
- A landscaper ordering soil for a park renovation project.
Case study
John needed 15 cubic yards of topsoil for his yard. Using the calculator, he entered 20 ft × 10 ft × 6 in and saw 15 cubic yards, about 20 tons. He ordered exactly that amount, avoiding a $200 over‑order.