Fill dirt or topsoil?
Fill dirt is subsoil with little organic matter. It compacts well, so it is used to raise ground, fill holes and build up under patios. It is poor for growing plants, so finish planted areas with a few inches of topsoil.
How much does dirt weigh?
The calculator uses about 75 pounds per cubic foot, roughly 1 ton per cubic yard for dry fill dirt. Wet or clay-heavy dirt can weigh much more, so treat the weight as an estimate and check the load limits of any trailer or truck.
Allow for settling
Loose dirt compacts as it is tamped and as rain settles it. The default 15% extra covers that; use more for deep fills or very loose material.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of dirt are in a cubic yard?
Roughly 1 to 1.3 tons for dry fill dirt, and more when it is wet.
How do I work out dirt to fill a hole?
Measure the length, width and depth of the hole. For a round hole, choose Circle and enter the diameter.
Why order extra fill dirt?
Dirt settles and compacts, so the finished level ends up lower than the loose fill. Ordering 10 to 20 percent extra avoids a second delivery.