Enter your project dimensions and soil depth to get volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, and estimated truckloads for fill dirt, topsoil, or garden soil.
The Square Yard Dirt Calculator is used to quickly calculate key measurements and estimates so you can plan materials, costs, and project scope with confidence.
Measure the length and width of the area that needs soil. For irregular plots, break the area into rectangles and calculate each one separately. Mark high and low spots if the ground is uneven — you'll need to estimate the average fill depth.
New lawns need 4-6 inches of topsoil. Garden beds need 6-12 inches. Filling holes or re-grading a yard? Measure the deepest point and the shallowest, then average them. For raised beds, the full height of the walls is your depth.
Loose soil compacts 10-20% when settled. Fill dirt compacts more than topsoil. Our default 10% factor covers typical compaction — increase to 15-20% for fill dirt used in structural applications like under slabs or driveways.
A 30 ft × 15 ft area at 6" deep: Area = 450 ft² = 50 yd². Volume = 450 × 0.5 = 225 ft³ ÷ 27 = 8.33 cubic yards. With 10% extra = 9.17 yd³. Weight ≈ 10.1 tons of topsoil. That's about 1 standard truckload.
Choosing the right soil type for your project.
Topsoil is the top layer of earth — rich in organic matter and nutrients. It's what you want for growing grass, flowers, and vegetables. Quality topsoil should be dark, crumbly, and free of rocks and debris. It drains well and supports root growth.
Fill dirt is subsoil with minimal organic content. It compacts more tightly than topsoil, making it ideal for grading, building up low spots, filling in swimming pools, and creating base layers under concrete or asphalt. It doesn't decompose or settle over time like topsoil can.
Garden soil is a blended mix — usually topsoil combined with compost, peat moss, and sometimes perlite. It's designed for raised beds and planting areas where you want optimal drainage and nutrition. It's lighter and fluffier than straight topsoil, which means you need less weight per cubic yard.
Cubic yards of topsoil needed for common project sizes at various depths.
| Area (ft²) | 4" Deep | 6" Deep | 12" Deep |
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Common questions about dirt and topsoil estimation.
Topsoil weighs about 1.0-1.3 tons per cubic yard. Fill dirt weighs about 1.15 tons per cubic yard. Clay soil is heavier at 1.5-1.7 tons. Wet soil can weigh 20-30% more than dry soil.
Multiply your area (in square feet) by the depth (in feet), then divide by 27. For example, 20 ft × 10 ft at 6 inches deep: 200 × 0.5 = 100 ft³ ÷ 27 = 3.7 cubic yards.
Topsoil is the top 4-12 inches of nutrient-rich soil, best for gardens and lawns. Fill dirt is subsoil — free of organic matter, used for grading, foundations, and filling holes. Fill dirt compacts better but won't grow plants well.
A standard dump truck holds 10-14 cubic yards. A small dump truck holds 5-8 cubic yards. A pickup truck bed holds about 1-2 cubic yards. Divide your total cubic yards by the truck capacity.
New lawns need 4-6 inches of topsoil. Overseeding or patching requires 1-2 inches. Garden beds need 8-12 inches. Raised beds need 12-18 inches minimum for healthy root growth.
Fill dirt: $5-$15 per cubic yard. Screened topsoil: $12-$30 per cubic yard. Premium garden soil: $25-$50 per cubic yard. Delivery typically adds $50-$150. Bagged topsoil costs $2-$5 per 40-lb bag.