Dirt calculator for Arkansas
Estimate fill dirt in cubic yards or tons for low areas, holes, and grading, with settling factored in.
Enter your project dimensions
Fill dirt placed loose can settle 10 to 15% in height. If you buy only enough for the measured hole, the first heavy rain may leave it an inch or two low. That is why the calculator keeps its 10% settling allowance on. Dry fill dirt weighs about 2,400 lb for each cubic yard, or 1.2 tons, and is sold by the yard. Use topsoil rather than fill dirt where plants need to grow; see the separate topsoil calculator.
Measure your fill area
- Measure the length and width in feet, then use the average depth needed for the raise. Since low spots are uneven, check both the deepest point and shallow edge, then use the midpoint.
- Measure a hole or trench by its length, width, and empty depth, using feet for each measurement.
- Convert cubic feet to yards by dividing by 27. To estimate tons, multiply by 1.2, and keep the settling allowance 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 |
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 uses and limits
Fill dirt comes from subsoil, the mineral layer below active topsoil, with rock and debris removed. Its low organic content matters because decaying organic material settles. For grade adjustments, berms, trench backfill, and filling holes, use fill dirt. Areas for grass or vegetables need 4-6 inches of topsoil over the fill, rather than topsoil throughout the structural layer.
Plan for settling when you order
Settling is a common reason to need more dirt for a hole that was already filled. In Arkansas clay soils, place material in 6 to 8 inch lifts, compacting every lift. If compaction is not available, soak each lift well and allow time for it to consolidate. For lawn work, finish about a half-inch above grade so it can settle level. Slab and footing fill needs thinner lifts, equipment, and the compaction requirements set by an engineer. Do not bury organic material in fill. Wood underground can decay and leave a sinkhole after a five-year delay.
How rain affects fill orders
Rain makes fill heavier without changing the volume, so it does not change the quantity to order. It can delay the work. Wet fill smears instead of compacting, and wheelbarrow work gets difficult, so plan delivery for dry conditions. Keep the pile high to shed rain, and tarp it when storms approach so you can spread it sooner.
Fill dirt answers for common jobs
How many yards of dirt are needed?
What does a yard of fill dirt weigh?
Define fill dirt
How do fill dirt and topsoil compare?
How much dirt fills a hole?
Where to get fill dirt
How many yards fit in a dump truck?
Should fill dirt be compacted?
More calculators
Fill dirt by the yard, delivered to your gate.
Fill dirt with debris removed for grading and backfill, delivered across Arkansas.
