Fill Dirt Calculator
Use this fill dirt calculator to estimate the amount of fill dirt needed for backfilling, grading, leveling yards, foundations, landscaping and construction projects using standard US measurements.
Cubic Yards = Volume ÷ 27 · Order Qty = Cubic Yards × 1.15 (15% compaction factor)
Truckloads = CEILING(Order Qty ÷ 10)
15% compaction factor already included in order quantity · Standard dump truck = 10–14 cu yd · Compact in 6-inch lifts for best results · Free fill dirt often available locally — check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace
Estimates based on 2026 US average pricing. Always confirm pricing and truck capacity with your local supplier before ordering.
Understanding the Calculator Inputs
This fill dirt calculator estimates cubic yards needed to fill, level, or grade any area. The result already includes a 15% compaction factor — fill dirt compresses significantly when tamped or driven over, and what looks like enough before compaction is consistently short after. The truckload estimator tells you exactly how many deliveries to schedule based on a standard 10 cu yd truck.
Measuring Fill Depth Accurately
Fill depth is the distance from the current ground level to the desired final grade level. For uneven areas, take measurements at multiple points — deepest, shallowest, and midpoint — then average them for a more accurate depth estimate. For significant grade changes (more than 12 inches), consider breaking the area into zones and calculating each depth separately.
Why 15% Compaction Factor Is Standard
Fill dirt compacts 10–20% depending on soil type, moisture content, and compaction method. Clay-heavy fill compacts more than sandy fill. Wet fill compacts less initially then settles further as it dries. Mechanical compaction (plate compactor or roller) reduces fill volume by 10–15%; hand tamping is less effective at 5–10%. The 15% factor built into this calculator is the standard allowance used by grading contractors and ensures you won't run short.
Never dump all your fill at once and try to compact it in one pass. Fill should be placed and compacted in 6-inch lifts (layers) — dump 6 inches, compact it fully, dump another 6 inches, compact again. Trying to compact 12+ inches in one lift leaves the bottom loose, creating a foundation that settles unevenly after construction. This is the most common fill project mistake by homeowners and inexperienced contractors alike.
3 Real-World Fill Dirt Examples
Example 1 — Backyard Low Spot (30×20 ft, 6 inch depth)
Filling a drainage problem area in the backyard — 30×20 ft section that sits 6 inches below the rest of the yard after heavy rain consistently floods it.
30 × 20 = 600 sq ft
Volume:600 × (6÷12) = 600 × 0.5 = 300 cu ft
Cubic yards:300 ÷ 27 = 11.1 cu yd
Add 15% compaction:11.1 × 1.15 = 12.8 cu yd → order 13 cu yd
Truckloads needed:CEILING(13 ÷ 10) = 2 trucks (10 yd + 3 yd)
| Fill Type | Cost per Cu Yd | 13 Cu Yd | + Delivery (2 loads) | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Fill | $8–$20/yd | $104–$260 | $100–$200 | $204–$460 |
| Clay Fill | $10–$25/yd | $130–$325 | $100–$200 | $230–$525 |
| Sandy Fill | $12–$28/yd | $156–$364 | $100–$200 | $256–$564 |
Real-world note: Before ordering fill for a drainage problem, confirm the drainage issue is a grade problem and not a soil compaction or subsurface drainage issue. If the area consistently ponds water, adding fill may just move the problem — the water may pond elsewhere. Consult a grading contractor before ordering large quantities for drainage correction. For a simple low spot that receives sheet flow from surrounding areas, filling and regrading toward a discharge point (lawn edge, swale, or drain) is the right approach.
Example 2 — Foundation Grade Raise (40×60 ft lot corner, 18 inch depth)
Raising the grade on a corner of a 40×60 ft lot by 18 inches to meet code requirements for positive drainage away from a new house foundation.
40 × 60 = 2,400 sq ft
Volume at 18 inches:2,400 × (18÷12) = 2,400 × 1.5 = 3,600 cu ft
Cubic yards:3,600 ÷ 27 = 133.3 cu yd
Add 15% compaction:133.3 × 1.15 = 153.3 cu yd → order 154 cu yd
Truckloads (10 yd each):CEILING(154 ÷ 10) = 16 trucks
| Item | Qty | Cost Est. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean fill dirt | 154 cu yd | $1,232–$3,080 | $8–$20/yd bulk |
| Delivery (16 loads) | 16 trucks | $800–$1,600 | $50–$100/load at this volume |
| Plate compactor rental | 2–3 days | $200–$450 | 6-inch lift compaction required |
| Topsoil cap (4 inches, 2,400 sq ft) | 30 cu yd | $840–$1,350 | Required on top for planting area |
| Total project estimate | $3,072–$6,480 | ||
Real-world note: Projects over 100 cubic yards almost always benefit from hiring a grading contractor with their own equipment rather than ordering fill and spreading it manually. A grading contractor with a skid-steer or small excavator can spread, grade, and compact 150 yards in 1–2 days vs a week of manual work. Get quotes from 2–3 grading contractors and compare their all-in price (fill + delivery + spreading + compaction + final grade) against the DIY material-only cost. For foundation drainage work specifically, verify required grade slope with your local building department — most codes require the finished grade to slope away from the foundation at a minimum 6 inches over the first 10 feet.
Example 3 — Pool Excavation Fill (25×45 ft irregular, 12 inch depth)
Using excavated fill from a pool dig to raise and level an adjacent area of the yard — 25×45 ft section at 12 inch average depth.
25 × 45 = 1,125 sq ft
Volume at 12 inches:1,125 × (12÷12) = 1,125 × 1.0 = 1,125 cu ft
Cubic yards:1,125 ÷ 27 = 41.7 cu yd
Add 15% compaction:41.7 × 1.15 = 48 cu yd
Pool excavation typically yields:A 12×24 ft pool, 5 ft deep = ~160 cu ft × 1.3 swell factor ≈ 77 cu yd of loose excavated material
Real-world note: Excavated soil from a pool dig has "swell factor" — it expands 20–30% in volume when disturbed from its original compacted state. 41.7 cu yd of compacted fill space needs approximately 48 cu yd of loose excavated material to fill it after compaction. This is why a pool excavation that looks like "way more than you need" often ends up being just right — or short — once spread and compacted. Work with your pool contractor to plan where excavated material will go before digging begins. Having a plan prevents scrambling to haul excess dirt away (which costs $200–$500 per truckload for disposal).
Fill Dirt Coverage Chart by Depth
Quick reference for how far 1 cubic yard of fill dirt goes at different depths, and how much you need for common area sizes. All figures are before compaction — add 15% to determine your actual order quantity.
| Depth | 1 Cu Yd Fills | 100 Sq Ft | 500 Sq Ft | 1,000 Sq Ft | Order Qty (incl. 15%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 inches | ~108 sq ft | 0.9 cu yd | 4.6 cu yd | 9.3 cu yd | ×1.15 to order |
| 6 inches | ~54 sq ft | 1.9 cu yd | 9.3 cu yd | 18.5 cu yd | ×1.15 to order |
| 12 inches | ~27 sq ft | 3.7 cu yd | 18.5 cu yd | 37.0 cu yd | ×1.15 to order |
| 18 inches | ~18 sq ft | 5.6 cu yd | 27.8 cu yd | 55.6 cu yd | ×1.15 to order |
| 24 inches | ~14 sq ft | 7.4 cu yd | 37.0 cu yd | 74.1 cu yd | ×1.15 to order |
| 36 inches | ~9 sq ft | 11.1 cu yd | 55.6 cu yd | 111.1 cu yd | ×1.15 to order |
Always multiply your calculated cubic yards by 1.15 before ordering to account for compaction. The calculator above does this automatically.
Fill Dirt Types Guide (2026)
Not all fill dirt is the same. The type you choose affects drainage, compaction, structural stability, and cost. Here's what each type is best suited for.
| Type | Bulk / Cu Yd | Compaction | Best For | Avoid For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Fill Dirt | $8–$20 | Excellent | General grading, raising grade, low spots | Areas needing fast drainage |
| Clay Fill | $10–$25 | Excellent | Pond liners, dam cores, grade raising | Under driveways or structures (swells when wet) |
| Sandy Fill | $12–$28 | Good | Under concrete, drainage areas, beach areas | Slopes without erosion control (washes easily) |
| Screened Fill | $18–$35 | Good | Finish grading, areas near foundations, topsoil transition | Deep structural fills (more expensive per yard) |
| Recycled Concrete (RCA) | $10–$22 | Excellent | Under driveways, parking areas, base layers | Areas where leaching is a concern |
| Excavated Subsoil | Free–$10 | Variable | Non-structural fills, rough grading | Under structures or anywhere with clay — quality unknown |
"Clean fill" legally means fill dirt that contains no debris, hazardous materials, concrete chunks, asphalt, organic material, or construction waste. However, this term is used loosely — always inspect fill before accepting it, especially from construction sites or free sources. Fill containing wood, roots, or organic material will decompose and create voids that cause settling. Fill containing clay pockets can cause drainage problems. Ask to see the fill before delivery and reject any load that contains debris, visible contamination, or heavy organic material.
Fill Dirt Cost & Truckload Guide (2026)
Fill dirt is one of the most variable-priced materials in construction — costs range from free to $35/cu yd depending on type, local availability, and supplier. Here's the 2026 pricing guide.
| Type | Per Cu Yd | Per Ton | 10 Yd Truckload + Delivery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Fill Dirt | $8–$20 | $5–$14 | $130–$350 | Most common; sometimes free locally |
| Clay Fill | $10–$25 | $7–$17 | $150–$400 | Good compaction; avoid under pavement |
| Sandy Fill | $12–$28 | $8–$19 | $170–$430 | Better drainage; higher per yard |
| Screened Fill | $18–$35 | $12–$24 | $230–$500 | Cleanest; best for finish grading |
| Delivery (10 yd truck) | N/A | N/A | $50–$150 | Varies by distance from supplier |
| Project Size | Cu Yd (incl. 15%) | Trucks Needed | Clean Fill Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small low spot (100 sq ft, 6") | 2.2 cu yd | 1 truck (partial) | $90–$220 |
| Medium yard area (500 sq ft, 6") | 10.7 cu yd | 1–2 trucks | $235–$590 |
| Large grading (1,000 sq ft, 12") | 42.6 cu yd | 5 trucks | $590–$1,600 |
| Foundation grade (2,400 sq ft, 18") | 154 cu yd | 16 trucks | $2,330–$5,200 |
Fill Dirt Compaction Guide
Proper compaction is the difference between a stable fill that holds its grade for decades and a soft fill that settles unevenly and causes problems. Here's how to do it right.
Compaction Methods by Project Size
| Method | Compaction Efficiency | Best For | Equipment Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand tamper | ~5% | Small patches under 50 sq ft | $30–$60 (buy) |
| Plate compactor (walk-behind) | 10–15% | Most residential projects under 2,000 sq ft | $80–$150/day rental |
| Jumping jack compactor | 15–20% | Trenches, tight areas, clay soils | $100–$180/day rental |
| Roller (ride-on) | 15–25% | Large grading areas, driveways, base layers | $300–$600/day rental |
| Vehicle passes (truck/tractor) | 10–15% | Rough initial compaction of large areas | Free if equipment on-site |
The 6-Inch Lift Rule
Place and compact fill in 6-inch maximum layers. After compacting each lift, add the next 6 inches. Never try to compact more than 6–8 inches in one pass — deep layers remain loose at the bottom no matter how many passes you make on top. For clay-heavy fill, keep each lift to 4–5 inches since clay compacts less per pass than sandy soil.
Moisture Content Matters
Fill compacts best at "optimum moisture content" — slightly damp but not wet or dry. Bone-dry soil doesn't compact well and powders under the compactor. Wet soil (after rain) compacts poorly and may push sideways rather than consolidate downward. If soil is too dry, lightly mist with water before compacting. If it's too wet, wait 1–2 days for it to dry slightly before compacting.
Fill Dirt vs Topsoil vs Gravel — Which to Use
| Material | What It Is | Cost | Use When | Never Use For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fill Dirt | Subsoil — no organic matter, structural | $8–$35/yd | Grade raising, hole filling, bulk structural fill | Growing plants — nothing grows well in it |
| Topsoil | Top 12" of earth — organic-rich, nutrient-dense | $25–$55/yd | Lawn prep, garden beds, planting areas | Deep structural fills — too expensive, too soft |
| Gravel (base rock) | Crushed stone — angular, fast drainage | $15–$40/yd | Under concrete/asphalt, drainage, French drains | Surface grading where a flat finish is needed |
| Sand | Fine granular — high drainage, easy compaction | $20–$50/yd | Under pavers, leveling, playground areas | Structural fills on slopes — washes away easily |
For any grade change over 4 inches in an area that will eventually be planted or grassed: use fill dirt for the bottom 80% of the depth change, then cap with 4–6 inches of screened topsoil for the growing layer. This is dramatically cheaper than filling the entire depth with topsoil. Example: raising a 500 sq ft area by 12 inches — use ~14 cu yd of fill dirt ($112–$280) for the first 8 inches, then 6.2 cu yd of topsoil ($155–$341) for the top 4 inches. Total: $267–$621 vs $400–$800 for all topsoil.
How to Get Free or Cheap Fill Dirt
Fill dirt is one of the few construction materials that is regularly available for free — because excavation contractors and homeowners digging pools, basements, or foundations need to dispose of it and will often give it away to avoid hauling fees.
Where to Find Free Fill Dirt
- Craigslist "Free" section — search "fill dirt free" in your area. Updated regularly during construction season (spring–fall). You typically need to arrange your own pickup truck or haul.
- Facebook Marketplace — search "fill dirt" filtered to Free. Many homeowners post after digging pools or landscaping projects.
- Local excavation contractors — call 2–3 local excavation companies and ask if they have any fill dirt from current jobs that they'd deliver for free or a nominal delivery fee. Many are happy to avoid landfill disposal costs.
- New home construction sites nearby — knock on the site superintendent's door and ask. Residential excavations produce huge amounts of fill. They may deliver for free or a small fee.
- Pool installation contractors — pool excavations produce 20–80+ cubic yards of fill dirt. Ask pool companies in your area if they have fill to give away.
- Municipal projects — road construction, utility installation, and parks projects often have fill to dispose of. Check with your city or county public works department.
Free fill dirt can contain debris, tree roots, concrete chunks, organic material, or even contaminated soil. Before accepting any load of free fill: (1) Ask what the source of the dirt is. (2) Request to see a photo or inspect the pile before delivery. (3) Check for visible debris, roots, or unusual colors/odors. (4) Reject any fill that contains plastic, asphalt chunks, wood, roots over pencil-width, or has a chemical smell. Bad fill causes long-term settling, drainage problems, and in rare cases, soil contamination issues.
Common Fill Dirt Mistakes
Not Adding Compaction Factor to the Order
The most common fill dirt mistake is ordering exactly the calculated volume without adding the 15% compaction factor. Fill that appears to be the right volume before compaction is consistently 10–15% short after proper compaction. Running short mid-project means a second delivery order — which typically costs more per yard (minimum order fees, second delivery fee) than adding to the original order. Always order with compaction factored in. The calculator above automatically adds 15%.
Trying to Compact Too Deep at Once
Dumping all fill at once and running a plate compactor over the top compacts only the top few inches — the lower fill remains loose and will settle unevenly over months and years. This is particularly damaging under driveways, patios, or structures where settling causes cracking. Always compact in 6-inch lifts. For large projects, this means multiple truckload deliveries spread across multiple days of work rather than one large dump.
Using Fill Dirt Where Topsoil Is Needed
Fill dirt supports no significant plant life. Grass, garden plants, and shrubs planted directly in or over pure fill dirt fail consistently — the fill has no nutrients, drains poorly (especially clay fill), and compacts so tightly that roots can't penetrate. Always cap fill with a minimum 4 inches of screened topsoil before planting any vegetation. For lawns, 4 inches of topsoil is the minimum; 6 inches is recommended for drought tolerance.
Not Checking Drainage Direction Before Grading
Adding fill raises the grade — which changes drainage patterns for the entire area. Before grading, mark where you want water to go after the project is complete and confirm the new grade will direct flow in that direction. The minimum slope for positive drainage is 2% (1/4 inch per foot) away from structures. Adding fill without planning drainage can create new pooling areas, redirect water toward neighboring properties (a legal liability), or push water toward a foundation instead of away from it.
How We Calculate
Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × (Depth (in) ÷ 12)
Cubic Yards = Volume ÷ 27
Order Quantity = Cubic Yards × 1.15 — the 15% compaction factor is based on standard geotechnical engineering practice for structural fill compacted with mechanical equipment. Hand-tamped fill may require a 10% factor; heavily clay-rich fill may require 20%. Adjust if your site conditions are significantly different.
Truckloads = CEILING(Order Quantity ÷ 10) — based on a standard 10 cubic yard dump truck. Confirm your supplier's exact truck capacity — some run 12 or 14 yard trucks, which could reduce the number of deliveries needed.
Cost ranges use 2026 US national average pricing per cubic yard by fill type, plus an estimated $50–$100 per delivery. Actual prices vary significantly by region, soil availability, and distance from supplier. Always get 3 quotes for any project over 10 cubic yards.