When starting a landscaping, gardening, or construction project, one of the most common questions is: “How much dirt do I need?” Whether you’re filling a garden bed, leveling your backyard, or ordering soil for a large-scale project, calculating the right amount of dirt is crucial. Ordering too little dirt can cause delays, while ordering too much can waste money and storage space.
Yards of Dirt Calculator
What is a Yards of Dirt Calculator?
A Yards of Dirt Calculator is a simple yet powerful tool designed to calculate the volume of soil required for any project. By entering the length, width, and depth of your area, the calculator provides the results in cubic feet and cubic yards.
Since dirt and soil are usually sold by the cubic yard, knowing your exact requirements helps you order the correct amount with confidence.
Why Use a Dirt Calculator?
- Accuracy – Manual calculations can be tricky, especially when dealing with feet and inches. The calculator removes human error.
- Saves Money – Prevents over-ordering excess soil you don’t need.
- Saves Time – Instantly gives results without manual math.
- Practical for Any Project – Whether you’re gardening, landscaping, or working on a foundation, this tool works for all.
How to Use the Yards of Dirt Calculator
Using the calculator is straightforward:
- Enter Length (ft): Measure the length of the area where you’ll spread dirt.
- Enter Width (ft): Measure the width across the area.
- Enter Depth (inches): Decide how deep you want the dirt layer to be and enter the number in inches.
- Click "Calculate": The tool will instantly display results in cubic feet and cubic yards.
- Review Results: Use the cubic yards value to determine how much dirt to order.
If you need to start over, simply click Reset and enter new measurements.
Formula Behind the Calculator
The tool uses a simple volume formula:
- Step 1: Convert depth from inches to feet (Depth ÷ 12).
- Step 2: Multiply Length × Width × Depth (in feet) = Cubic Feet.
- Step 3: Convert cubic feet to cubic yards (Cubic Feet ÷ 27) = Cubic Yards.
This ensures precise results for any size project.
Practical Example
Imagine you’re filling a raised garden bed with soil.
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 4 feet
- Depth: 12 inches (1 foot)
Calculation:
- Depth in feet = 12 ÷ 12 = 1
- Volume in cubic feet = 10 × 4 × 1 = 40 ft³
- Volume in cubic yards = 40 ÷ 27 = 1.48 yd³
➡️ You’ll need approximately 1.5 cubic yards of soil for this project.
Benefits of Knowing Exact Dirt Volume
- Budgeting: Helps estimate costs before purchasing soil.
- Planning Deliveries: Soil suppliers often deliver in whole cubic yards, so you’ll know how many truckloads are needed.
- Avoiding Shortages: Ensures your project isn’t delayed due to running out of material.
- Environmental Impact: Prevents excess soil disposal, reducing waste.
Tips for Ordering Dirt or Soil
- Always round up slightly when ordering (better to have extra than fall short).
- Consider soil compaction – freshly delivered soil may settle by 10–20%.
- Order from reliable suppliers that deliver directly to your project site.
- Double-check your measurements before calculating.
20 Frequently Asked Questions About Dirt Calculators
1. What is a cubic yard of dirt?
A cubic yard is a measurement of volume equal to 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet (27 cubic feet).
2. How much does a cubic yard of dirt weigh?
On average, a cubic yard of dry dirt weighs about 2,000 pounds, while wet dirt can weigh up to 3,000 pounds.
3. How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.
4. Can I use this calculator for gravel or mulch?
Yes, the calculator works for any bulk material like gravel, sand, mulch, or compost.
5. What’s the difference between topsoil and fill dirt?
Topsoil is nutrient-rich and good for gardening, while fill dirt is used for construction and leveling.
6. Do I enter depth in feet or inches?
The calculator accepts depth in inches, which it automatically converts into feet.
7. What if my area isn’t a perfect rectangle?
For irregular shapes, divide the area into smaller rectangles, calculate separately, and add results together.
8. How accurate is this calculator?
The results are mathematically precise, but soil compaction and delivery variations may slightly affect totals.
9. How do I measure my area for the calculator?
Use a tape measure for length and width, and a ruler or measuring stick for depth.
10. How many wheelbarrows are in a cubic yard of dirt?
On average, 1 cubic yard equals about 14 wheelbarrow loads (depending on wheelbarrow size).
11. Can this calculator be used for raised garden beds?
Yes, simply enter the bed’s length, width, and depth to get the soil needed.
12. How deep should topsoil be for grass?
Generally, 4–6 inches of topsoil is recommended for growing healthy grass.
13. How many bags of soil equal one cubic yard?
A standard 40-pound bag covers about 0.75 cubic feet. You’d need around 36 bags for 1 cubic yard.
14. Does soil settle after delivery?
Yes, soil compacts and settles by about 10–20% after spreading.
15. What’s the minimum amount of dirt I can order?
Suppliers often sell dirt by the cubic yard, but some allow half-yard deliveries.
16. Can I use this tool for concrete calculations?
Yes, the formula works the same, but keep in mind concrete is measured in cubic yards too.
17. Why is dirt sold by the cubic yard and not cubic feet?
Because cubic yards are easier for suppliers and contractors to work with on large projects.
18. How do I avoid ordering too much dirt?
Double-check measurements, use the calculator, and add only a small buffer for settling.
19. What projects need a dirt calculator the most?
Gardening, landscaping, filling holes, leveling yards, and construction foundations.
20. Can I use metric measurements?
Currently, the calculator uses feet and inches. To use metric, convert meters to feet before entering values.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a homeowner working on a backyard project or a contractor managing a large-scale job, knowing the exact amount of soil you need is essential. Our Yards of Dirt Calculator makes this process quick, easy, and accurate.
By entering just three measurements – length, width, and depth – you’ll instantly know how many cubic feet and cubic yards of dirt your project requires. This ensures proper planning, cost savings, and smoother execution of your project.