Fill Dirt Needed
13.33 yd³
Weight
18.00 tons
Truck Loads
2
Total Cost
$350
13.33
18.00 tons
2
$350
Inputs
Result
Volume = 30 × 20 × (6/12) = 300 cu ft = 11.11 yd³. With 20% compaction = 13.33 yd³. Weight = (300 × 1.2 × 100) / 2000 = 18.00 tons. 2 truckloads. Material $200 + delivery $150 = $350.
Inputs
Result
Volume = 15 × 15 × (12/12) = 225 cu ft = 8.33 yd³. With 20% compaction = 10.00 yd³. Weight = (225 × 1.2 × 110) / 2000 = 14.85 tons. 1 truckload. Material $150 + delivery $75 = $225.
Measure the area length, width, and fill depth. Volume = Length × Width × (Depth / 12) in cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Add 20% for compaction since fill dirt settles after placement.
Fill dirt weighs 2,000-3,000 lbs per cubic yard depending on type. Clean fill averages 2,700 lbs/yd³, topsoil about 2,025 lbs/yd³, and clay about 2,970 lbs/yd³.
| Fill Type | Density (lbs/ft³) | Weight per yd³ | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topsoil | 75 | ~2,025 lbs | Gardens, lawns, planting beds |
| Sandy Loam | 90 | ~2,430 lbs | General landscaping, good drainage |
| Clean Fill | 100 | ~2,700 lbs | Grading, foundations, structural fill |
| Clay | 110 | ~2,970 lbs | Drainage barriers, dam construction |
Clean fill is subsoil free of organic matter, debris, and contaminants, used for grading and filling. Topsoil is the nutrient-rich top layer used for gardens and lawns. Clean fill compacts better for structural support.
| Property | Clean Fill | Topsoil |
|---|---|---|
| Organic matter | None—inert subsoil | 5–10% organic content |
| Compaction | Compacts well, stable | Settles unevenly, not structural |
| Drainage | Good to moderate | Variable, can retain water |
| Cost per yd³ | $10–$20 | $20–$50 |
| Best use | Grading, foundations, fill | Gardens, lawns, planting |
A standard dump truck holds 10-12 cubic yards of fill dirt. Divide your total cubic yards (including compaction factor) by the truck capacity. For example, 25 cubic yards requires 3 truckloads at 10 yd³ per truck.
| Truck Type | Capacity (yd³) | Weight Limit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickup truck | 1–1.5 | ~2,000 lbs | Small garden projects |
| Single-axle dump | 5–6 | ~13,000 lbs | Small to mid-size jobs |
| Tandem-axle dump | 10–12 | ~26,000 lbs | Most residential projects |
| Tri-axle dump | 14–18 | ~40,000 lbs | Large excavation/grading |
Fill dirt compresses 15-25% when compacted with heavy equipment. Adding a compaction factor (typically 20%) ensures you order enough material to reach the desired final grade after settling.
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Last Updated: Mar 11, 2026
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