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 tons results.
This calculator tells you exactly how much fill material you’ll need for any rectangular hole. By entering the length and width in feet and the depth in inches, the tool converts the dimensions to cubic feet, then to cubic yards, and finally estimates the weight in tons using the standard 1.3 US tons per cubic yard. Knowing the volume helps you order the right amount of dirt, avoid costly over‑orders, and plan delivery trucks. The cubic‑yard figure is what most suppliers quote, while the cubic‑foot number lets you compare to on‑site measurements. The ton estimate gives a quick sense of the load for equipment selection. For example, a 10 ft × 5 ft × 12 in hole equals 50 ft³, about 1.85 yd³, which weighs roughly 2.4 tons overall project.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra for compaction and settling.
- Round up to the nearest 0.1 yd³ to simplify ordering.
- Check supplier minimum loads before finalizing the order.
- Measure depth from the final finished grade, not the temporary excavation.
Real-life examples
- A homeowner planning a new garden bed needs to know how much topsoil to order.
- A contractor filling a trench for a utility line wants to avoid ordering too much dirt.
- A landscaper estimating material for a pond liner excavation wants accurate weight for equipment limits.
Case study
Sara needed to fill a 12‑ft × 8‑ft × 18‑in hole for a patio. Using the calculator she saw she required 1.33 yd³ of dirt, about 1.7 tons, and ordered exactly that amount, saving $200 and a delivery truck.