Dirt calculator for Maine
Estimate fill dirt for low areas, excavations, and grading in tons or cubic yards, with settlement included in the calculation.
Enter your project dimensions
As loose fill settles, its height drops 10-15%. Ordering only for the measured hole can leave the surface short after the first hard rain, so the calculator has a 10% settling allowance on by default. Dry fill dirt is roughly 2,400 lb for each cubic yard, or 1.2 tons, and ordering is by cubic yard. It is not intended for growing plants. Use topsoil instead, as explained in the separate topsoil calculator.
Measure your fill area
- Measure the area's length and width in feet, along with the average amount it needs to come up. For an uneven low spot, use the midpoint between its deepest measurement and its shallow edge.
- For a trench or hole, multiply its depth, width, and length, using feet for each measurement.
- For cubic yards, take the cubic-foot total and divide it by 27. To convert to tons, multiply by 1.2, and keep the settling allowance selected.
Tons = cubic yards × 1.2 · +10% for settling is on by default
Coverage and 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 |
Typical fill work and yard amounts
| 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 basics and when not to use it
Fill dirt is screened mineral subsoil from below the topsoil layer, with rock and debris removed. It has little organic material because organics break down and cause the fill to settle. Use it for changing grade, filling holes, trench backfill, and berms. Where grass or vegetables will grow, place 4 to 6 inches of topsoil over the fill. Use topsoil only for that growing layer, not the structural material below.
Plan for settlement when ordering
Settlement often explains why a hole needs another load. Place fill in 6 to 8 inch lifts, compacting each layer. At minimum, soak each layer well and allow it to consolidate. Leave lawn patches about a half-inch above grade so they settle level. For deep fill beneath slabs or footings, follow an engineer's compaction specification using thinner lifts and equipment. Keep organic debris out, since buried wood can leave a sinkhole after a five-year delay.
Rain and fill dirt orders
Rain does not change the volume to order, though it does add weight and can affect timing. Wet fill smears instead of packing well, and wheelbarrow work gets difficult, so plan delivery for dry weather. A pile set high will shed much of the rain; cover it when storms are expected to make spreading possible days sooner.
Fill dirt answers for project planning
What yardage of dirt is needed?
What is the weight of a cubic yard of fill dirt?
Define fill dirt
How does fill dirt differ from topsoil?
What amount of dirt fills a hole?
Where do I get fill dirt?
How much dirt can a dump truck carry?
Is compaction needed for fill dirt?
More calculators
Yard-priced fill dirt with free delivery to your gate.
Screened fill dirt for backfill and grading, delivered throughout Maine.
