Dirt calculator for South Dakota
Estimate fill dirt for grading, low areas, and holes in cubic yards or tons, with settling factored in.
Enter your project dimensions
After placement, loose fill dirt can settle 10 to 15% in height. Ordering only for the measured hole can leave you an inch or two low after the first heavy rain, so the calculator keeps a 10% allowance on. Dry fill dirt weighs about 2,400 lb per cubic yard, or 1.2 tons, and is sold by the yard. Use topsoil for areas intended for growth, using the separate topsoil calculator.
How to measure fill work
- For a raised area, multiply its length by width in feet and use the average depth needed. On uneven low spots, measure the deepest point and shallow edge, then use the difference between them.
- For trenches or holes, multiply the void's depth by its length and width, with all measurements in feet.
- Convert cubic feet to yards by dividing by 27, then multiply by 1.2 to find tons. Keep the settling allowance enabled.
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 jobs and yardage
| 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 is mineral subsoil from below the living topsoil, with rock and debris screened out. Its low organic content matters because organic material breaks down and settles, while structural fill stays flatter with less of it. Use it for berms, grade changes, trench backfill, and filling holes. Areas for grass or vegetables need 4 to 6 inches of topsoil over the fill, rather than topsoil throughout the structural layer.
Planning for settlement
A second load for the same hole often comes down to settling. Place dirt in 6 to 8 inch layers, compacting each layer. Without compaction equipment, soak each layer well and allow it to consolidate. Set lawn repairs about a half-inch above grade so they settle flush. For deep fill beneath slabs or footings, follow an engineer's compaction specification using thinner lifts and equipment. Keep organic debris out of fill, since buried wood can become a sinkhole after a five-year delay.
Ordering dirt in wet weather
Rain makes fill heavier without changing its volume, so the amount ordered stays the same. It can change the work schedule. Wet fill smears rather than compacts, and wheelbarrow work becomes difficult, so plan delivery for dry weather. A high pile drains off much rain, but use a tarp ahead of storms so it can be spread days sooner.
Fill dirt project questions
How much dirt is needed?
What does fill dirt weigh per yard?
Definition of fill dirt
How does fill dirt differ from topsoil?
Dirt needed for a hole
Buying fill dirt
Dump truck fill capacity
Should fill dirt be compacted?
Other calculators
Fill dirt by the yard, delivered to your gate at no charge.
Screened fill dirt for backfill and grading, with delivery across South Dakota.
