Fill Dirt Needed Calculator

Calculate how many cubic yards, tons, and cubic feet of fill dirt you need instantly and free.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Instant results

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How to use it

  1. Enter length in feet.
  2. Enter width in feet.
  3. Enter depth in inches.
  4. Read cubic yards, tons and cubic feet results.

What it does – Enter the length, width (feet) and depth (inches) of the area you plan to fill. The tool converts depth to feet, multiplies the three dimensions to get cubic feet, divides by 27 for cubic yards, and multiplies cubic yards by 1.3 to estimate tons. Why it matters – Knowing volume and weight helps you order the right amount, avoid costly over‑orders, and plan delivery logistics. Reading the results – Cubic yards is the standard order unit for most suppliers, tons gives a weight estimate for truck capacity, and cubic feet lets you compare against other projects or material specs. All calculations happen instantly in your browser, no data is stored. You can also round up to the nearest whole yard to account for settling, and the calculator shows both metric and imperial units if you need them. The result updates as soon as you change any input, so you can experiment with different depths before finalizing your plan.

Pro tips

  • Add about 10% extra for compaction and settling.
  • Round up to the next whole yard when ordering to avoid shortfalls.
  • Convert depth inches to feet before multiplying (the calculator does it automatically).
  • Check your supplier's price per cubic yard before placing the order.

Real-life examples

  • Homeowner preparing a backyard garden bed.
  • Contractor filling a foundation trench for a new deck.
  • Landscaper leveling a park pathway.

Case study

Mike needed to fill a 12 × 20 ft area 8 in deep for a patio. Using the calculator he saw he required 5.9 cubic yards (≈7.7 tons). He ordered 6 yards, avoided a costly over‑order, and his delivery fit on the truck in one trip.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert depth from inches to feet?
Divide the inch value by 12; the calculator does this automatically.
Why is the ton estimate different from the cubic yard number?
Because each cubic yard of fill dirt weighs about 1.3 US tons, so weight = yards × 1.3.
Should I order whole yards or can I order partial?
Most suppliers sell by the cubic yard; rounding up ensures you have enough material.
How much extra fill should I add for settling?
Add roughly 10 % to the calculated volume to cover compaction and settling.
Can I use this calculator for sand or gravel?
The volume conversion works for any bulk material, but the weight per yard will differ from the 1.3 tons used for fill dirt.