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 — 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, not toward 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. 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.