Fill Dirt Calculator
Estimate the fill dirt needed for grading, backfilling, and leveling your property. Enter your dimensions to get cubic yards, tonnage, and truckloads required.
Types of Fill Dirt
Clean fill is free of organic matter, trash, and contaminants. It consists of clay, sand, and rock and is ideal for raising grade and backfilling foundations. Screened fill has been sifted to remove large rocks and debris. Structural fill meets engineering specifications for load-bearing applications like under slabs and retaining walls. Utility fill, also called common fill, is unscreened and cheapest but may contain rocks and clay clumps. Always verify that fill dirt is clean and from a known source to avoid introducing contaminated soil to your property.
Grading and Compaction Tips
Proper grading requires the finished surface to slope away from buildings at a minimum of 1 inch per foot for the first 6 feet, then 1 inch per 4 feet beyond that. Spread fill in 6-inch lifts, compacting each layer to 95 percent standard Proctor density for structural applications. For landscaping grading, hand tamping or a vibratory plate compactor is sufficient. After grading, allow the soil to settle for 2 to 4 weeks before adding topsoil and planting. Water the fill periodically during settlement to accelerate the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does fill dirt cost?
Fill dirt typically costs $8 to $20 per cubic yard for material, plus $50 to $200 for delivery. Clean fill may be available free from local construction sites through fill dirt exchange boards.
What is the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?
Fill dirt is subsoil with no organic matter, used for structural fill and grading. Topsoil is the nutrient-rich upper layer of soil used for planting. Never use topsoil as structural fill, as it settles over time.
How much does fill dirt compact?
Loose fill dirt compacts approximately 20 to 25 percent when properly compacted with heavy equipment. Order 25 percent more than the final volume you need.