What to measure
How to use the fill dirt calculator
Enter the area and how deep you need to fill. For a sloped area, average several depth measurements. Keep 20% for compaction and enter your hauler’s price per yard if you have it.
The formula
- Cubic yards = length × width × depth (ft) × (1 + compaction %) ÷ 27
- Tons = cubic yards × 1.2
- Truck loads = cubic yards ÷ 12
Worked example: raising a 20 × 30 ft area by 1 ft
- 20 × 30 × 1 = 600 cu ft, plus 20% = 720 cu ft
- 720 ÷ 27 = 26.67 cubic yards, about 32 tons
- 26.67 ÷ 12 = 2.2 → 3 truck loads
For filling around a house, slope the finished grade away from the foundation by at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet. The slope calculator helps check it.
Fill dirt by area and depth
With 20% for compaction and 12 cubic yards per truck load.
| Area | Depth | Cubic yards | Truck loads |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 6 in | 2.22 | 1 |
| 20 × 30 ft | 6 in | 13.33 | 2 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 12 in | 17.78 | 2 |
| 30 × 40 ft | 12 in | 53.33 | 5 |
| 50 × 50 ft | 12 in | 111.11 | 10 |
| 50 × 100 ft | 12 in | 222.22 | 19 |
| 50 × 100 ft | 24 in | 444.44 | 38 |
Common mistakes
- Ordering the hole’s volume only. Fill compacts after it’s placed, so the hole will need more than its measured volume to stay level.
- Filling in one thick lift. Dirt dumped deep and compacted only on top keeps settling for months. Spread and compact it in thin layers.
- Assuming every truck carries the same amount. Load sizes vary a lot between trucks; confirm the hauler’s load before you count loads.
- Grading toward the house. Finished fill around a foundation should slope away from it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does fill dirt compact?
Typically 20–25% once it's compacted or settles. The calculator adds 20%; raise it if you'll compact in thin layers with a plate compactor or roller.
How much fill dirt is in a dump truck?
It depends on the truck, from a few yards for small trucks to 15 or more for large ones. We assume about 12 cubic yards per load. Ask your hauler for their exact load size.
How much does a yard of fill dirt weigh?
About 1.2 tons (2,400 lb) dry, and noticeably more when wet. Check your truck's payload if you're hauling it yourself.
Can I use fill dirt to grow grass?
Not on its own. Fill dirt has little organic matter, so finish the top 4–6 inches with topsoil.
How much fill dirt do I need to fill a hole?
Use Circle for a round hole and enter its depth. A hole 10 ft across and 3 ft deep needs 10.47 cubic yards with 20% for compaction, about 12.57 tons, which fits in one 12-yard load.
How many tons of fill dirt are in a truckload?
At our 12 cubic yards per load and 1.2 tons per yard, a full load is about 14.4 tons. Many trucks can't legally carry that much wet soil, so ask your hauler what they actually deliver.
What compaction percentage should I enter?
The default is 20%. For a 20 × 30 ft area 1 ft deep that turns 22.22 cubic yards into 26.67; at 25% it is 27.78. Use the higher figure if you'll compact in thin layers with a plate compactor or roller.
How much fill dirt for a 6 ft wide hole 4 ft deep?
Use Circle with a 6 ft diameter and 4 ft depth. With 20% for compaction that's 5.03 cubic yards, about 6.03 tons, well under one 12-yard load.
Sources
Formulas and defaults last reviewed October 30, 2026. How we check our math.