Yard Leveling Calculator
To level a lawn, fill low spots with fill dirt, compact, then cap with 2–4″ of topsoil for the grass. Measure the average depth of the low areas — for a slope, use half the drop. Run the topsoil calculator separately for the cap.
Order 14.0 yd³ — fill is sold by the whole yard or the truckload; ask for a full-load price.
- Area
- 1,200 ft²
- Volume (300.0 ft³)
- 11.11 yd³
- Weight @ 1.25 t/yd³
- ≈ 13.9 tons
- Waste / settling 20%
- + 2.22 yd³
- Order quantity
- 13.33 yd³
- Truckloads
- 2 × tri-axle dump (≈12 yd³)
- Metric
- 10.19 m³
- 40 lb bag (0.75 ft³)
- 480 bags
- Materials + delivery$8–$25 / yd³ · Sep 2026
- $212 – $450
- Installed (with labor)typ. $643
- $412 – $983
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What will this fill dirt job cost?
See the installed price range for these quantities and get up to 3 quotes from local contractors. Free, no obligation.
How to calculate fill dirt by hand
Cubic yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Average depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × 1.20 settling
Worked example
- Area: 30 ft × 20 ft = 600 ft².
- Volume: 600 ft² × (6 in ÷ 12) = 300 ft³ = 11.1 yd³.
- Settling 20%: 11.1 × 1.20 = 13.3 yd³ → order 14 yd³.
- Trucks: 14 ÷ 12 = 2 tri-axle loads (or ask for one 14-yard load).
- 1 yd³ of fill at 6″
- ≈ 54 ft²
- 1 yd³ of fill at 12″
- ≈ 27 ft²
- 1 yd³ fill dirt
- ≈ 2,400–2,800 lb
- Tri-axle dump
- 10–14 yd³
Questions crews ask
How do I calculate fill to level a yard?
Stake the high point, run a string level to the low corner and measure the drop. Average depth is half the drop for a straight slope. Area × average depth ÷ 324 = cubic yards, plus 20% for settling.
Should I use fill dirt or topsoil to level a lawn?
Fill for anything deeper than 2″, topsoil for the top 2–4″ where grass roots live. Levelling shallow bumps in an existing lawn takes a sand/topsoil mix at ½″ per application so the grass grows through.
How much can I raise the grade around a house?
Keep finished grade at least 6″ below siding and wood, sloping away from the foundation at 1″ per foot for the first 6–10 ft. Never bury weep holes or vents.