Soil & Ground

Fill Dirt Calculator

Estimate fill dirt for grading, leveling and backfilling. This calculator adds an adjustable compaction allowance so the order quantity can account for material settling after placement.

✓ Free✓ Instant result✓ No signup

Step 1

Enter project details

Area sq ft Average fill depth in Compaction allowance % Estimated density tons/yd³ Truck capacity yd³ Optional price per yard $/yd³

Planning estimate only. Confirm local prices, supplier specifications and site conditions before ordering.

Step 2

Your estimate

Compacted volume—

Recommended order—

Estimated weight—

Approx. truckloads—

Estimated material cost—

Compaction and truck capacity vary by material and hauler. Use supplier values when available and treat truckloads as a planning estimate.

Optional next step

Request a local grading or fill quote

Complete three short steps to check for available local professionals.

Free to submit No purchase required

How matching works

ProjectMetrica helps route your gravel / pea gravel / fill work request to participating platform partners or service providers when an eligible match is available.

Availability depends on ZIP code, service and project details.
ProjectMetrica is not the contractor and may receive compensation for an accepted request.

ProjectMetrica collects this request and may share it with participating service providers and platform partners for the home-improvement project you selected. The consent session is independently recorded. See the Privacy Policy.

1 Project 2 Timing 3 Contact

Step 1 of 3

What kind of project is it?

Choose the service details and enter the five-digit project ZIP code.

ZIP code

Step 2 of 3

When are you planning the work?

These details help make the request more relevant. No availability check is sent yet.

Hiring status Project timeframe Can you authorize work on the property? Project details

Step 3 of 3

Where can professionals reach you?

Use the contact details for the property where the project is planned. This usually takes about a minute.

Your request stays focused on this project

Your address helps check local service availability and is not posted publicly.
Submitting is free and does not require you to hire anyone.
Your details are used to process and route the home-service request described here.

First name Last name Project street addressEnter the street address where the work is planned. You can correct every address field before submitting. City State Phone Email

By submitting, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old and that the information you provided is accurate.

Your request may be sent to participating home-improvement providers when a qualifying match is available.

Before you order

Check local supplier specs

Density, bag coverage, pallet size and recommended installation depth can vary by material and supplier.

Professional installation

Compare local project quotes

Connect with a local professional for a site-specific estimate.

Get free quotes →

Formula & assumptions

How the fill dirt calculator works

Compacted volume = area × depth. Loose order volume = compacted volume × (1 + compaction allowance).

For a better estimate

Use an average depth when the site varies.
Compaction depends on soil type, moisture and equipment.
Ask the supplier for truck capacity and material density if you need more precise load counts.

Useful project tools

Tools that can help with this project

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Measuring wheelMeasure larger lawn and bed dimensions. View on Amazon → Garden rakeSpread and level loose soil or mulch. View on Amazon → Soil test kitCheck basic soil conditions before planting. View on Amazon →

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate fill dirt?+

Calculate the volume of the space to fill, convert it to cubic yards and add an allowance for compaction and grading.

Why add a compaction allowance?+

Loose dirt occupies more space before it is compacted. The required allowance varies by material and site conditions.

How many cubic yards fit in a dump truck?+

Truck capacity varies significantly. Enter the actual capacity from your supplier or hauler for a more useful estimate.

Enter project details

Your estimate

Request a local grading or fill quote

What kind of project is it?

When are you planning the work?

Where can professionals reach you?

Check local supplier specs

Compare local project quotes

How the fill dirt calculator works

For a better estimate

Tools that can help with this project

Frequently asked questions

Guides for this project

Fill Dirt Cost per Cubic Yard

Fill Dirt vs Topsoil: Which One Do You Need?

Fill Dirt Compaction Guide

Related calculators

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