Dirt calculator for Utah
Estimate fill dirt for grading, depressions, and excavations by cubic yards or tons, with settling included in the calculation.
Enter your project dimensions
As loose fill settles, it can drop 10 to 15% in height. Ordering only for the measured hole can leave the surface an inch or two low after the first heavy rain, so this calculator keeps its 10% settling allowance active. Dry fill dirt is about 2,400 lb per cubic yard (1.2 tons) and sold by the yard. Use topsoil, calculated separately, for areas intended to support plants.
How to measure a fill area
- To calculate a raised section, multiply its length and width in feet by the average amount of rise. Because a low area is uneven, measure both its deepest location and shallowest edge, then average them.
- Measure the empty space in feet, then multiply its length, width, and depth for holes or trenches.
- For yards, divide cubic feet by 27; for tons, multiply by 1.2. Leave the settling allowance enabled.
Tons = cubic yards × 1.2 · +10% for settling is on by default
Coverage and weight
| Material | Weight per cubic yard | Tons per yard |
|---|---|---|
| Fill dirt (dry) | ≈ 2,400 lb | 1.20 |
| Fill dirt (wet) | up to 3,000 lb | 1.50 |
| Topsoil, for comparison | ≈ 2,200 lb | 1.10 |
| Depth of fill | 1 cubic yard covers | 5 yards cover |
|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft | 810 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft | 405 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft | 270 sq ft |
| 12 inches | 27 sq ft | 135 sq ft |
Typical fill work and yard estimates
| Project | Typical size | Depth | Volume | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raise a low lawn area | 20 x 20 ft | 4" | 4.9 yd³ | 5.9 tons |
| Level a settled depression | 15 x 15 ft, avg 6" | 6" | 4.2 yd³ | 5 tons |
| Backfill a utility trench | 25 ft x 2 ft | 18" | 2.8 yd³ | 3.3 tons |
| Build a landscape berm | 20 x 6 ft | 12" | 4.4 yd³ | 5.3 tons |
| Backfill along a foundation | 60 ft x 2 ft | 10" | 3.7 yd³ | 4.4 tons |
Fill dirt uses and limits
Fill dirt consists of subsoil, the mineral material below active topsoil, with rock and debris screened out. It is intentionally low in organic matter: organics decay and settle, while low-organic structural fill is more likely to hold its grade. Use it for berms, elevation changes, trench backfill, and holes. Areas intended for grass or vegetables need 4 to 6 inches of topsoil above the fill, rather than using topsoil for the supporting layer.
Plan for settling when ordering
A repeat delivery for an already-filled hole commonly comes down to settlement. Place dirt in 6-8 inch lifts, compacting every lift, or thoroughly water each one and give it time to consolidate. For lawn repairs, leave the surface about a half-inch high so it settles flush. Deep structural fill beneath slabs or footings needs thinner lifts, equipment, and an engineer's compaction specification. Keep organic debris out of fill, as buried wood can later form a sinkhole on a five-year delay.
How wet conditions affect fill
Rain does not alter the volume to order, although it makes the material heavier. It can change the work schedule: wet fill smears rather than compacts, and moving it by wheelbarrow is difficult. Plan delivery for dry weather where possible. A pile placed high sheds much of the rain, but covering it before a storm can help it dry for spreading sooner.
Fill dirt questions
What quantity of dirt is needed?
What does one yard of fill dirt weigh?
Definition of fill dirt
How do fill dirt and topsoil differ?
Calculating dirt for a hole
Buying fill dirt
Dump truck fill capacity
Is fill dirt compaction necessary?
Other calculators
Fill dirt by the yard, delivered free to your gate.
Screened fill dirt for backfill and grade work, delivered across Utah.
