Detailed how-to guides and tutorials for your landscaping projects.
Calculate exactly how much dirt you need for your raised bed.
Read Guide βCalculate fill dirt coverage step by step: formulas for every shape, compaction factors, a free calculator and cost-saving tips.
Read Guide βWork out how much dirt fills a hole of any shape: formulas, worked examples and a free cubic yard calculator.
Read Guide βCalculate select fill for foundations and driveways: step-by-step formulas, compaction factors, engineering specs and real examples.
Read Guide βEvery fill project, from a raised garden bed to a full house pad, comes down to the same three questions: how much space you need to fill, how much the material will shrink once it is compacted, and what it will cost to deliver. These guides walk through each question with the formulas, worked examples and rules of thumb contractors use on site, so you can order the right amount the first time.
Volume is length Γ width Γ depth, measured in feet. Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards, the unit most suppliers sell by. Depth is the most common mistake: 6 inches is 0.5 feet, not 6. For round holes, pools and tree rings use Ο Γ radiusΒ² Γ depth; for slopes and ramps use half of length Γ width Γ height. The hole-filling guide covers every common shape with worked examples.
Loose fill contains air. Once spread and compacted it typically settles 10β25%, and clay-heavy soil can shrink more. Order about 10β15% extra for lawns and garden beds, and 20β25% for structural fill under slabs, driveways and footings. The select fill guide explains the tighter specs engineers use for load-bearing work, and the compacted fill calculator applies the shrinkage factor for you.
Many quarries price by the ton rather than the yard. A cubic yard of average fill dirt weighs roughly 1.0β1.35 tons depending on moisture and clay content. Use the tons calculator to convert, then the fill dirt cost calculator to add delivery fees. A standard dump truck carries 10β14 cubic yards, so rounding up to a full load is often cheaper than paying for a second partial delivery.
Common fill is fine for raising grade and filling holes, but it is not a growing medium. Cap planted areas with 4β6 inches of topsoil, and use a proper soil mix for vegetable beds; the raised bed guide includes mix ratios and bag counts. For anything carrying a structure, use clean or select fill free of organic debris, which rots and leaves voids. For bearing capacity on a building project, consult a licensed geotechnical engineer before ordering.
Prefer to skip the math? Browse all specialized fill dirt calculators for cubic yards, tons and compaction-adjusted totals instantly.