How to use it
- Enter the length in feet.
- Enter the width in feet.
- Enter the depth in inches.
- Read the cubic yards, cubic feet and ton estimate instantly.
What it does – The Excavation Dirt Calculator takes the length and width of your site in feet and the depth you plan to dig in inches, then instantly gives you three practical measurements: cubic yards, cubic feet, and an approximate tonnage. Why it matters – Contractors, landscapers, and DIY homeowners need these numbers to order the right amount of fill, schedule equipment, and budget material costs. One cubic yard of compacted dirt weighs about 1.3 US tons, so the ton estimate lets you compare quotes from suppliers who price by weight. How to read it – Cubic yards is the standard volume unit for ordering bulk dirt; cubic feet is useful for smaller jobs or when comparing to product specs; tons helps you understand load limits and shipping costs.
Pro tips
- Add 10% extra volume for compaction and windrow waste.
- Round up to the nearest half‑yard for ordering.
- Check supplier’s weight per yard; 1.3 tons is typical but can vary.
- Double‑check depth conversion from inches to feet to avoid under‑ordering.
Real-life examples
- Planning a 10 × 12 ft garden bed 8 in deep and need to know how much soil to order.
- A contractor excavating a foundation trench 20 ft long, 5 ft wide, 2 ft deep wants volume and weight for dump‑truck scheduling.
- Homeowner filling a backyard pond area 15 ft by 20 ft to a depth of 6 in for a new water feature.
Case study
Mike needed to fill a 12 × 15 ft patio area 6 in deep. Using the calculator, he saw the job required 1.33 cubic yards (≈1.7 tons). He ordered 2 cubic yards, avoided a costly short‑fall, and finished on schedule.