Yardage Dirt Calculator

Calculate your dirt volume in cubic yards, tons, and cubic feet instantly and free.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Instant results

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How to use it

  1. Enter length (ft), width (ft), and depth (in).
  2. Click “Calculate”.
  3. Read cubic yards, tons (approx), and cubic feet results.

Yardage Dirt Calculator turns the three measurements you already have—length, width, and depth—into the three numbers you need to order the right amount of fill. It first converts depth from inches to feet, then multiplies length, width, and depth to get cubic feet. Those cubic feet are divided by 27 to produce cubic yards, the standard unit for bulk material. Finally, the calculator multiplies cubic yards by 1.3 US tons, giving you an approximate weight in tons. Knowing the exact volume prevents over‑ordering, saves money, and avoids delivery delays. The results appear instantly, so you can copy the numbers into a quote request or a project plan without manual conversion. Use the figures to compare supplier bids, schedule truckloads, or verify that your excavation plan fits within site limits.

Pro tips

  • Add a 5‑10% waste allowance to cover settling and spillage.
  • Round up to the nearest half‑yard when ordering to avoid shortfalls.
  • Convert depth to feet before entering if you work in inches.
  • For irregular shapes, calculate each rectangular section separately and sum the results.

Real-life examples

  • A homeowner estimating how much topsoil to spread for a new garden bed.
  • A contractor calculating fill needed to level a driveway before pouring concrete.
  • A landscaper ordering mulch for a large park renovation.

Case study

Mike needed to fill a 12 ft × 20 ft area to a depth of 6 in. The calculator gave 0.44 cubic yards, about 0.57 tons. He ordered 0.5 cubic yards, saved $120 on excess fill, and the project stayed on schedule.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert depth from inches to feet?
Divide the inch value by 12; the calculator does this automatically.
Why does the result show tons?
Bulk dirt is priced by weight; we use 1.3 US tons per cubic yard as the industry standard.
Can I use the calculator for sand or gravel?
Yes, but adjust the weight per cubic yard if your material differs from the 1.3 tons estimate.
What if my site isn’t a perfect rectangle?
Break the area into smaller rectangles, calculate each, then add the results.
Is the calculator accurate for large projects?
It provides a quick estimate; for very large volumes, confirm with the supplier’s specific density values.