How much dirt do I need?
cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324
To fill a 20 × 30 ft low spot an average of 6 inches deep: 20 × 30 × 6 ÷ 324 = 11.1 yd³. Fill dirt compacts, so order about 20% more:13–14 cubic yards, or roughly 16 tons at 2,400 lb per yard.
- Topsoil: screened soil for lawns and beds. Spread 4–6 inches for new lawns, 1–2 inches to level an existing one.
- Fill dirt: subsoil with little organic matter, for raising grade or filling holes. Cheapest, and it compacts well.
- Garden soil / blends: topsoil mixed with compost for raised beds and planters.
Raised bed soil chart
| Bed size | Depth | Cubic feet | Cubic yards | 0.75 cu ft bags | 1.5 cu ft bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 4 ft | 12" | 16 | 0.59 | 22 | 11 |
| 4 × 8 ft | 12" | 32 | 1.19 | 43 | 22 |
| 4 × 8 ft | 18" | 48 | 1.78 | 64 | 32 |
| 3 × 6 ft | 12" | 18 | 0.67 | 24 | 12 |
| 4 × 12 ft | 12" | 48 | 1.78 | 64 | 32 |
How much does a yard of dirt weigh?
| Material | lb per yd³ (typical) | Tons per yd³ |
|---|---|---|
| Topsoil (screened) | 2,200 (2,000–2,600) | 1.1 |
| Fill dirt | 2,400 (2,000–2,700) | 1.2 |
| Garden soil / soil blend | 1,800 (1,400–2,200) | 0.9 |
| Compost | 1,200 (800–1,600) | 0.6 |
| Sand | 2,700 (2,500–3,000) | 1.35 |
Dirt holds a lot of water: a wet load can weigh 20–30% more than these dry figures. A full-size pickup safely carries about 1 yard of topsoil.
FAQ
How many bags of soil are in a yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet: 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft, 27 bags of 1 cu ft, 18 bags of 1.5 cu ft or 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft.
How much area does a yard of topsoil cover?
324 sq ft at 1 inch, 162 sq ft at 2 inches, 81 sq ft at 4 inches and 54 sq ft at 6 inches.
Can I fill a raised bed with fill dirt?
Only the bottom. Fill dirt has little organic matter; use garden soil or a topsoil–compost mix for the top 8–12 inches where roots grow.