Calculate Your Project
Project Diagram
Total Volume
—Cubic Yards
Enter dimensions above
Estimated Weight
—Tons
Based on Dirt density (1.15 t/yd³)
Free Dirt Calculator
Dirt Calculator: Measure Twice, Order Once
Enter your project dimensions into the dirt calculator and instantly get cubic yards, total weight in tons, and 2026 cost estimates for grading, leveling, and filling.
Dirt Coverage per Cubic Yard (by Depth)
| 1 inch deep | 324 sq ft |
| 2 inches deep | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches deep | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches deep | 81 sq ft |
| 6 inches deep | 54 sq ft |
| 12 inches deep | 27 sq ft |
Dirt Reference Guide
Dirt Density & Weight Reference
| Measurement System | Total Volume | Estimated Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial (US) | 1 Cubic Yards | 1.15 Tons (2,300 lbs) |
| Metric (EU) | 1 m³ | 1.50 Tonnes (1,504 kg) |
* Note: Exact weight can vary based on moisture content and compaction.
Dirt Costs in 2026 (Estimates)
| Raw fill dirt (per cubic yard) | $8 – $15 |
| Screened dirt (per cubic yard) | $18 – $35 |
| Screened dirt, 10 cubic yards | $180 – $350 |
| Raw dirt, full truck load (10 cu yd) | $80 – $150 |
| Delivery fee (per load, typical) | $50 – $150 |
| Self-haul by pickup (about 0.5 cu yd per trip) | No delivery fee |
Prices are 2026 US averages. Actual costs vary by region and supplier.
Recommended Depths for Dirt
| Project / Use Case | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|
| Lawn Leveling | 1–2 inches |
| Grading Away from Foundation | 4–6 inches |
| Garden Bed Base | 6–8 inches |
| Filling Holes & Gaps | 12+ inches (in compacted layers) |
| Backfill Against Foundation | 12–24 inches |
How to Calculate Dirt Volume
Most landscaping suppliers sell dirt by the cubic yard. To convert your project area to cubic yards, use this formula:
Volume (cu yd) = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27
Our calculator also multiplies your cubic yard result by 1.15 tons/yd³ (the standard density for dirt) to show estimated weight — essential if you are hauling the material yourself or need delivery pricing.
Dirt Calculator: Types, Compaction & the Divide-by-27 Formula
What "Dirt" Actually Means
Dirt is excavated earth: a natural mix of clay, sand, silt, and small rock dug from below the surface. Unlike topsoil, it contains very little organic matter, which is exactly why builders like it. It does not decompose, shrink, or shift the way rich garden soil does, so it holds grade for years under lawns, patios, and foundations. The trade-off is that almost nothing grows well in it. Plan to use dirt for structure and volume, then cap any planting surface with 4 to 6 inches of topsoil.The Formula: Why You Divide by 27
Every dirt calculation follows the same three steps. First, multiply length by width by depth, all in feet, to get cubic feet. Second, divide by 27, because one cubic yard is a cube 3 feet on each side, and 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 cubic feet. Third, add your compaction allowance. Worked example: a 20 by 10 foot area at 6 inches (0.5 feet) deep is 20 × 10 × 0.5 = 100 cubic feet, and 100 ÷ 27 = 3.7 cubic yards. Add 15 percent for compaction and you order about 4.25 cubic yards. The dirt calculator above runs exactly this math, including the weight conversion at 1.15 tons per cubic yard.Loose, Bank, and Compacted Volume
The same dirt takes up a different amount of space depending on its state. Dirt sitting undisturbed in the ground is called bank volume. Once dug, it fluffs up with air pockets and grows by roughly 20 to 25 percent: that is loose volume, the state it is in when the truck dumps it. Spread, wetted, and rolled, it settles back down and loses 10 to 20 percent of its loose volume in the process. This is why a hole that measures exactly 10 cubic yards can swallow 12 yards of delivered dirt. The calculator result is finished, in-place volume, so always add the compaction percentage before ordering.Choosing Between Raw, Screened, and Topsoil
Raw dirt at $8 to $15 per cubic yard is the cheapest way to add bulk: raising grade, filling old pool holes, and building up low spots. It may contain rocks and clods, which is fine below the surface. Screened dirt at $18 to $35 per yard has been passed through a mesh that removes debris larger than about half an inch, so it spreads smoothly and is the right choice for the finish layer of a grading job. Neither type grows plants well. Wherever grass or garden beds will sit on top of your dirt work, finish with 4 to 6 inches of screened topsoil and calculate that layer separately with the topsoil calculator.Pro Tips & Insights
1
Dirt shrinks 10 to 20 percent once it is placed, wetted, and rolled. Always add at least 10 percent to your calculated volume, and 20 percent for deep fills that will be machine compacted.
2
Ask whether the price quoted is for raw or screened dirt. Screened dirt costs more per yard but spreads evenly and contains far fewer rocks, roots, and clods, which saves hours of raking on finish work.
3
A cubic yard of dry dirt weighs about 2,300 lbs, more than a full ton. A half-ton pickup can safely carry only about half a yard per trip, so plan on delivery for any project over 1 cubic yard.
4
Measure your area before you call the supplier, not after the truck arrives. Suppliers sell by the cubic yard and charge $50 to $150 per delivery trip, so one correctly sized load beats two short ones.
5
Dirt delivered wet can weigh up to 2,700 lbs per cubic yard and compacts differently than dry material. If rain is forecast, cover the pile with a tarp so it stays workable and your weight estimates stay honest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much dirt do I need for my project?▼
Multiply length by width by depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. A 20 by 10 foot area filled 4 inches deep holds about 66.7 cubic feet, which is 2.47 cubic yards. Add 10 to 20 percent for compaction, so order roughly 2.75 to 3 cubic yards for that area.
How much does a cubic yard of dirt weigh?▼
A cubic yard of dry, loose dirt weighs about 2,000 to 2,300 lbs, roughly 1.15 tons. Wet dirt is much heavier and can reach 2,700 lbs per cubic yard after heavy rain. Clay-heavy dirt sits at the top of the range, while sandy dirt sits at the bottom.
How many yards are in a ton of dirt?▼
One ton of dry dirt is roughly 0.85 to 0.9 cubic yards, because a cubic yard weighs about 1.15 tons. Wet dirt packs more weight into the same space, so a ton of wet dirt may cover only about 0.75 cubic yards. When a supplier quotes by the ton, convert with 0.87 cubic yards per ton for average dry material.
What is the difference between dirt, fill dirt, and topsoil?▼
Dirt is the general term for excavated earth. Fill dirt is subsoil taken from below the surface layer: it is stable and compacts well, but it has almost no nutrients. Topsoil is the top 6 to 12 inches of earth, rich in organic matter, and it is the only one of the three that grows healthy grass and plants.
How much dirt fills a 10x10 area 6 inches deep?▼
A 10 by 10 foot area at 6 inches deep needs 50 cubic feet of dirt, which is 1.85 cubic yards. Because dirt compacts 10 to 20 percent after placement, order about 2 to 2.2 cubic yards to finish at a true 6-inch depth. That order weighs roughly 2.3 to 2.5 tons when dry.
How many yards of dirt are in a dump truck?▼
A standard dump truck carries 10 to 14 cubic yards of dirt per load, which is about 11.5 to 16 tons of dry material. Smaller single-axle dump trucks carry 3 to 5 cubic yards. If your project needs 12 yards, one standard truck handles it in a single trip.
How much extra dirt should I order for compaction?▼
Order 10 to 20 percent more dirt than your raw volume calculation. Loose dirt placed in a hole or spread for grading compacts about 10 percent under its own weight and watering, and up to 20 percent when it is rolled or machine tamped in layers. For a 10 cubic yard project, that means ordering 11 to 12 yards.