Dirt calculator for Louisiana
Plan fill dirt in tons and cubic yards for low areas, excavations, and grading, with settling included in the calculation.
Enter your project dimensions
Expect loose fill to settle by 10 to 15% in height. If you buy only the measured amount, the first hard rain can leave the grade short, so this calculator includes a 10% settling factor. Dry fill dirt weighs roughly 2,400 lb for each cubic yard, or 1.2 tons, and is sold by the yard. Use topsoil, shown on its separate calculator, for planting areas.
How to measure fill work
- Measure raised areas by multiplying the length and width in feet, then use the average added depth. For uneven low areas, measure both the deepest spot and the shallow edge, then average them.
- Measure the opening in feet, then multiply its length, width, and depth.
- To get yards, take cubic feet and divide by 27. For tons, multiply by 1.2. Leave the settling setting enabled.
Tons = cubic yards × 1.2 · +10% for settling is on by default
Coverage and material 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 |
Yardage for typical fill work
| 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 living topsoil, with rock and debris removed. Little organic matter is important because it breaks down and causes settling. Use fill dirt for berms, trench backfill, holes, and grade work. For grass or vegetables, place 4-6 inches of topsoil over the fill instead of using topsoil for the entire structural layer.
Account for settling before ordering
Settling often leads to another load for the same excavation. Place fill in 6-8 inch lifts and compact each lift. If compaction equipment is unavailable, soak each layer and allow it to consolidate. Set lawn repairs about a half-inch above grade so they settle flush. For deep fill below slabs or footings, use an engineer's compaction specification, thinner lifts, and equipment. Keep organic debris out of the fill.
Ordering fill in wet conditions
Rain changes the weight of fill, not the volume required for your order. It can delay the work: wet fill smears instead of compacting, and wheelbarrows are harder to use. Plan delivery for dry weather when possible. Keep the pile high so water runs off, and cover it when storms approach to help it dry before spreading.
Questions about fill dirt projects
What fill dirt quantity do I need?
Fill dirt weight per yard
Fill dirt explained
How does fill dirt differ from topsoil?
Calculating dirt for a hole
Buying fill dirt
Dump truck capacity for dirt
Should fill dirt be compacted?
Other calculators
Low-cost by the yard, delivered free to your gate.
Fill dirt with debris removed for grading and backfill, delivered throughout Louisiana.
