# Fill Dirt Calculator: Cubic Yards, Tons & Loads

> Estimate how much fill dirt to order to raise a low spot, level a yard or build up a pad. Results are in cubic yards, tons and truckloads, with extra for compaction.

**Quick answer:** Filling a 20 × 30 ft area 6 inches deep takes 11.1 cubic yards of compacted fill. Fill settles when it is compacted, so add roughly 15%: order about 12.8 cubic yards, which is around 16 tons. Formula: area × depth (inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27, then add compaction.

_Last updated: October 3, 2026. Estimates only; confirm quantities with your supplier._

## How much fill dirt do you need?

Multiply the area by the depth to get volume, then convert to cubic yards. Because loose fill settles when it is compacted, order a little more than the finished volume.

```
cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27
order = cubic yards × (1 + compaction allowance)
```

Example: a 20 × 30 ft area filled 6 inches deep is 600 × 0.5 ÷ 27 = **11.1 cubic yards**. With a 15% compaction allowance you order **12.8 cubic yards**, roughly 16 tons at about 1.25 tons per yard.

### Fill dirt needed per 1,000 square feet

| Depth | Cubic yards | With 15% compaction |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2 in | 6.2 | 7.1 |
| 4 in | 12.3 | 14.2 |
| 6 in | 18.5 | 21.3 |
| 8 in | 24.7 | 28.4 |
| 12 in | 37.0 | 42.6 |

### Fill dirt, topsoil and compost are different

Fill dirt is subsoil used to raise grade or fill holes. It is not meant for growing plants. If you are building up a lawn or garden, fill to the right grade first and finish with [topsoil](../topsoil-calculator/) on top. University extension guidance for new lawns recommends planting into a layer of good soil rather than bare subsoil.

### Tips for ordering

- Measure the *average* depth. Low spots are rarely a uniform thickness, so take several measurements and average them.
- Order by the cubic yard where possible. If the supplier sells by the ton, convert with the [yards to tons calculator](../yards-to-tons-calculator/).
- Check access: a loaded tandem dump truck is heavy, and some driveways and lawns cannot take it.
- For a trench or hole you are filling after digging, see the [excavation calculator](../excavation-calculator/).

## Frequently asked questions

### How much fill dirt do I need?

Multiply area in square feet by depth in feet, divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then add roughly 10–20% for compaction. A 20 × 30 ft area at 6 inches deep needs about 12.8 cubic yards with 15% added.

### How many tons is a cubic yard of fill dirt?

Roughly 1.1 to 1.5 tons, depending on moisture and soil type. The calculator uses 1.25 as a typical value.

### How many cubic yards fit in a dump truck?

A tandem-axle dump truck is commonly about 10 cubic yards, but it depends on the truck and on the weight limit for dense or wet material.

### Can I plant grass on fill dirt?

It is better to finish with a layer of topsoil, because fill dirt is subsoil and is often low in organic matter.

### Should I add extra for compaction?

Yes. Loose fill settles as it is compacted, so ordering 10–20% more than the finished volume is common. Your contractor can recommend a figure for your soil.

## Sources and further reading

- [NIST Special Publication 811: conversion factors](https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811/nist-guide-si-appendix-b-conversion-factors) — National Institute of Standards and Technology
- [Planting a new lawn](https://extension.illinois.edu/lawns/planting-new-lawn) — University of Illinois Extension