Dirt calculator for Vermont
Estimate fill dirt quantities for low areas, excavations, and grading in cubic yards or tons, including settlement.
Enter your project dimensions
As loose fill dirt settles, its depth can drop 10-15%. A hole filled only to its measured level may end up an inch or two low after the first hard rain. For that reason, this calculator keeps its 10% settlement allowance enabled. Dry fill dirt is about 2,400 lb per cubic yard (1.2 tons) and sold by the yard. Use the separate topsoil calculator for planting areas.
How to measure a fill area
- For a broad area, multiply its length by its width in feet, then multiply by the average planned depth. For uneven low spots, measure both the deepest point and the shallow edge, then use the midpoint.
- Measure holes and trenches by multiplying the void's length, width, and depth in feet.
- For yards, take cubic feet and divide 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 projects and yardage
| 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 is screened subsoil, the mineral material beneath active topsoil, with rock and debris removed. Its low organic content helps it stay stable, since organic material breaks down and settles. Use fill dirt for changing grade, filling holes, backfilling trenches, and building berms. Areas meant for grass or vegetables need 4 to 6 inches of topsoil placed over the fill. Reserve topsoil for the upper growing layer rather than the structural material below.
Plan for settling when ordering
Settlement is often the reason an excavation needs another load. Place material in 6-8 inch lifts, compacting each lift. If compaction is not available, soak every layer thoroughly and give it time to consolidate. Set lawn repairs about a half-inch above final grade so they settle level. Fill beneath slabs or footings needs thinner lifts, equipment, and an engineer's specified compaction method. Keep organic material out of fill, since buried wood can decay and create a sinkhole after a five-year delay.
Ordering fill in wet conditions
Rain changes the weight of fill, not the volume, so the order amount stays the same. It can change the work schedule. Wet fill smears rather than compacts, and wheelbarrow work becomes difficult, so plan delivery for a dry period. A pile set high sheds much of the rain, but tarp it when storms are expected to make spreading possible days sooner.
Fill dirt FAQs for project planning
How much dirt do I need in yards?
What does one yard of fill dirt weigh?
What does fill dirt mean?
How do fill dirt and topsoil compare?
How much dirt is needed for a hole?
Where do I get fill dirt?
What dump truck capacity is available in yards?
Is compaction needed for fill dirt?
More calculators
Fill dirt delivered to your gate at no delivery charge.
Screened fill dirt for backfill and grading, delivered throughout Vermont.
