Dirt Calculator
Length
Width
Depth
Results
Enter dimensions to calculate cubic yards needed.
Welcome to our free cubic yards calculator, a precision tool designed to help homeowners, landscapers, and contractors accurately calculate material volumes for their projects. Whether you're ordering dirt, mulch, gravel, or other landscaping materials, this calculator provides exact measurements in cubic yards, the standard unit for bulk material orders.
Our calculator helps you determine exact material quantities for:
Ordering the right amount of materials is crucial for project success and budget management. Our calculator helps you:
Our calculator uses industry-standard conversions and professional-grade formulas to ensure accuracy:
Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, you can trust our calculator for precise material estimations.
Simply enter your dimensions in the calculator above:
For irregular shapes or complex projects, break down the area into smaller rectangles and add the results together.
Note: All measurements must be positive numbers. Inches should be less than 12.
To calculate cubic yards of dirt, measure the length, width, and depth of your area in feet and inches. Enter these measurements into our calculator, which will automatically convert the dimensions to cubic yards (1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet = 46,656 cubic inches). The calculator handles all conversions automatically, saving you time and ensuring accuracy.
Measuring in both feet and inches provides more precise calculations. While you could convert everything to feet (using decimals), working with feet and inches is more intuitive and reduces the chance of conversion errors. Our calculator accepts both measurements to give you the most accurate result possible.
A cubic yard of dirt typically weighs between 2,000-2,700 pounds (1-1.35 tons), depending on the type of soil and moisture content. Topsoil usually weighs about 2,200 pounds per cubic yard, while denser materials like clay can weigh up to 2,700 pounds per cubic yard.
Yes, this calculator can be used for any bulk material sold by cubic yard, including mulch, gravel, sand, topsoil, or compost. The volume calculation remains the same regardless of the material - only the weight and coverage area might differ based on the specific material.
One cubic yard of dirt will cover 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 108 square feet at 3 inches deep. For a 6-inch depth, one cubic yard will cover approximately 54 square feet. The coverage area can be calculated by dividing 324 by the depth in inches.
It's recommended to order 10-15% extra material to account for settling, compaction, and irregular surfaces. For example, if your calculation shows you need 10 cubic yards, order 11-11.5 cubic yards. This excess ensures you won't run short and need to place a second order, which could cost more in delivery fees.
Our calculator is accurate to two decimal places when provided with correct measurements. It uses the standard conversion rate of 27 cubic feet per cubic yard and accounts for both feet and inches in measurements. The main source of potential error comes from measurement inaccuracies rather than the calculation itself.
Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil, rich in organic matter and nutrients, ideal for gardening and landscaping. Fill dirt is subsoil with little organic matter, used primarily for filling holes and creating level surfaces. While both are measured in cubic yards, they serve different purposes in landscaping projects.
For irregular shapes, break the area into smaller regular shapes (rectangles, triangles, etc.). Calculate the cubic yards needed for each section separately, then add them together. For curved areas, measure the longest length and widest width to get an approximate calculation, then adjust the final order accordingly.
If you have fractions of inches, convert them to decimals before entering them in the calculator. For example, 1/2 inch = 0.5, 1/4 inch = 0.25, 3/4 inch = 0.75. This ensures the most accurate calculation of the volume needed.
The cost of a cubic yard of dirt varies by type and location, typically ranging from $15-$50 per cubic yard for fill dirt and $20-$80 for topsoil. Premium screened topsoil or special soil mixes can cost more. Delivery fees are usually additional and may have minimum order requirements.
Yes, this calculator is suitable for both residential and commercial projects. It provides accurate volume calculations regardless of project size. However, for very large commercial projects, we recommend consulting with a professional estimator who can account for specific site conditions and compaction requirements.
Soil typically compacts 10-20% after installation. To account for this, multiply your calculated cubic yards by 1.1 to 1.2. For example, if you calculate needing 10 cubic yards, order 11-12 cubic yards to account for compaction, especially if the soil will be used for structural purposes.
Most suppliers have a minimum order requirement for delivery, typically 3-5 cubic yards. Smaller quantities usually require pickup. The minimum order helps offset delivery costs and varies by supplier and location. Contact local suppliers for specific minimums and delivery fees in your area.
A typical contractor wheelbarrow holds approximately 3 cubic feet of material when heaped. Since one cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, it would take about 9-10 wheelbarrow loads to move one cubic yard of dirt. This can vary based on wheelbarrow size and how full each load is.