Fill Dirt Cost Calculator

When planning landscaping, leveling uneven ground, or preparing for construction projects, one common challenge is figuring out how much fill dirt you need and how much it will cost. Ordering too little can stall your project, while ordering too much wastes money.

That’s where a Fill Dirt Cost Calculator comes in handy. This tool takes your project dimensions—length, width, and depth—along with the cost per cubic yard and optional delivery fees, and instantly provides you with:

• The exact volume of fill dirt needed (in cubic feet, cubic yards, and cubic meters)
• The estimated material cost
• The delivery fee
• The total project cost

With this calculator, homeowners, landscapers, and contractors can save time, money, and guesswork.

How to Use the Fill Dirt Cost Calculator

The calculator is designed for simplicity. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Enter Your Dimensions

• Length – Input the length of the area to be filled.
• Width – Enter the width of the same area.
• Depth – Specify how deep you want the fill dirt to go.

💡 Tip: You can switch between feet and meters using the unit selector.

Step 2: Choose Measurement Units

Select feet or meters from the drop-down. The calculator will automatically convert the results into cubic feet, cubic yards, and cubic meters.

Step 3: Add Cost Information

• Enter the price per cubic yard of fill dirt.
• If applicable, add a delivery fee (optional).

Step 4: Click Calculate

The calculator will display a short loading bar, then provide results including:

• Total volume in cubic feet, cubic yards, and cubic meters
• Cost of fill dirt
• Delivery fee
• Final total cost

Step 5: Review and Save Results

You can:

• Copy results to your clipboard
• Share results with others (via link or message)

For accuracy, the calculator also suggests ordering about 10% extra fill dirt to account for compaction and settling.

Practical Example

Let’s say you want to level a backyard patch that measures 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 2 feet deep.

• Length: 20 ft
• Width: 10 ft
• Depth: 2 ft
• Price per cubic yard: $25
• Delivery fee: $100

After entering these values and clicking Calculate, the tool gives you:

• Volume (cubic feet): 400 cu ft
• Volume (cubic yards): 14.81 cu yd
• Volume (cubic meters): 11.32 cu m
• Cost of fill dirt: $370.25
• Delivery fee: $100
• Total cost: $470.25

This makes it clear exactly how much material you’ll need and how much to budget.

Benefits of the Fill Dirt Cost Calculator

• Accuracy – Eliminates manual math errors.
• Time-saving – Instant results, no need for spreadsheets.
• Convenience – Works with both feet and meters.
• Cost transparency – Breaks down expenses before you commit.
• Practical features – Copy and share results with ease.

Key Features

• Converts between feet and meters
• Shows results in cubic feet, cubic yards, and cubic meters
• Includes delivery fee calculations
• Suggests ordering extra for settling and compaction
• Provides a progress bar for real-time calculation feedback
• Lets you reset inputs quickly

Common Use Cases

1. Landscaping projects – Filling garden beds, leveling lawns, or creating berms.
2. Construction preparation – Backfilling foundations, driveways, or retaining walls.
3. Pool removal – Estimating dirt needed to fill an old swimming pool.
4. Agricultural work – Raising low areas for better drainage.
5. DIY home projects – Small yard improvements where precision matters.

Tips for Best Results

• Measure carefully – Small errors in length, width, or depth can greatly affect volume.
• Always round up – Order slightly more dirt than calculated (10% recommended).
• Check local prices – Fill dirt costs vary by location.
• Factor delivery – Especially important for bulk orders.
• Plan for compaction – Dirt naturally settles, so extra ensures full coverage.

FAQ: Fill Dirt Cost Calculator (20 Questions)

1. What is fill dirt?
Fill dirt is natural subsoil used to fill holes, level land, or support construction.

2. How does the Fill Dirt Cost Calculator work?
It multiplies length × width × depth to calculate volume, then converts that into cubic yards and applies pricing.

3. Can I switch between feet and meters?
Yes, the tool supports both units.

4. Why does the calculator show results in cubic feet, cubic yards, and cubic meters?
To give flexibility based on your supplier’s preferred measurement.

5. How accurate are the results?
Very accurate for measurements entered, though you should add ~10% extra for settling.

6. Do I need to include delivery fees?
No, it’s optional, but adding it gives a realistic total cost.

7. What is the difference between cubic feet and cubic yards?
1 cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet.

8. Can I use the tool for gravel or sand?
Yes, as long as you know the cost per cubic yard.

9. How do I know the price per cubic yard of fill dirt?
Check with local suppliers, as prices vary by region and quality.

10. Does the tool account for compaction?
Not directly, but it suggests ordering about 10% extra.

11. Can I reset the calculator easily?
Yes, there’s a reset button to clear all inputs.

12. Is the tool mobile-friendly?
Yes, it works on phones, tablets, and desktops.

13. Can I share results with my contractor?
Yes, you can copy or share results instantly.

14. How much does a truckload of fill dirt cost?
Typically between $150–$600 depending on size and location.

15. What projects usually require fill dirt?
Landscaping, backfilling, grading, and pool removal.

16. Is topsoil the same as fill dirt?
No, fill dirt lacks organic matter and is used for stability, while topsoil is nutrient-rich for planting.

17. Can I calculate multiple areas at once?
The tool calculates one area at a time, but you can repeat for each section.

18. Does the calculator save my inputs?
No, but you can copy and save results manually.

19. What happens if I enter incorrect values?
The calculator will alert you to correct them before proceeding.

20. Is this calculator free to use?
Yes, it’s completely free and available online anytime.

Final Thoughts

The Fill Dirt Cost Calculator is an essential tool for anyone working on landscaping or construction projects that require dirt filling. By providing fast, accurate volume and cost estimates, it helps you plan effectively, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure your project runs smoothly.

Whether you’re a homeowner, landscaper, or contractor, this calculator saves time and money while simplifying your work.