Fill Dirt Calculator

Compaction Allowance

Fill dirt shrinks when it is compacted, so you must order more than the raw volume. The compaction factor ranges from 1.2 to 1.35 depending on the soil. Sandy fill uses 1.20, mixed fill uses 1.25, and clay-heavy fill uses 1.30. Multiply your measured loose volume by the factor to get the amount to order. A job measuring 7.4 loose cubic yards needs about 9.3 cubic yards of clay-heavy fill once compaction is factored in. The calculator applies the factor for you and shows both the loose and compacted figures so you can order with confidence.

Tons & Trucks

Fill dirt is sold by the cubic yard and the ton, and delivered by dump truck. It weighs 2,200 to 2,800 pounds per cubic yard, or 1.1 to 1.4 tons, with clay-heavy dirt at the higher end. A standard dump truck holds 10 to 16 cubic yards, and a typical residential delivery brings 12 cubic yards. By weight, a single-axle truck carries 5 to 6 tons and a tandem-axle truck carries 10 to 14 tons. Order full truckloads on large grade jobs to spread the delivery cost across more material.

How Much Fill Dirt Do I Need

The fill dirt you need starts with the volume of the hole or grade change. Multiply length by width by depth in feet and divide by 27 for loose cubic yards. Then multiply by the compaction factor for your soil type. A 20 x 10 ft area filled 1 foot deep is 7.4 loose cubic yards, or 9.3 cubic yards of mixed fill after compaction. Convert to tons by multiplying compacted yards by the dirt weight. The calculator returns loose yards, compacted yards, tons, and truckloads so you can plan both the order and the delivery.

What is the difference between fill dirt and fill sand?

Fill dirt is subsoil used to raise grade and fill holes, while fill sand drains faster and is used as a base under pavers and pipes. Fill dirt compacts into a firm, stable base. Fill sand stays loose and lets water through. Use fill dirt for structural grade work and fill sand where drainage matters, such as a paver or utility bed.

Is clean fill dirt free?

Clean fill dirt is sometimes free if you arrange the hauling, since contractors often need to dispose of excavated soil. The catch is you pay for trucking and you take whatever quality arrives. Purchased fill dirt costs $20 to $50 per cubic yard delivered and comes screened and consistent. For a large grade job where quality matters, buy screened fill rather than chasing free loads.

How to Compact Fill Dirt Properly

Fill dirt must be compacted in layers to hold its grade. Spread the dirt in lifts of 6 to 8 inches, then compact each lift before adding the next. A plate compactor works for small areas, while a roller suits large grade jobs. Compacting in thin lifts prevents soft pockets that settle later and crack whatever sits on top. Skipping compaction leads to sinking patios, driveways, and foundations over the following seasons.

Moisture matters during compaction. Slightly damp fill dirt compacts far better than bone-dry or soaking soil. Add a light spray of water if the dirt is dusty, but avoid making it muddy. Clay-heavy fill needs the most attention because it holds water and compacts unevenly. The 1.2 to 1.35 compaction factor in the calculator accounts for the volume lost during this process, so order the compacted figure to finish at grade without a second load. A plate compactor rented for the day handles most residential fill jobs quickly and cheaply.

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