How Much Dirt Is in a Cubic Yard? Indiana Homeowner's Guide to Ordering the Right Amount

You need fill dirt for your yard, but how much should you order? Understanding cubic yards—the standard unit for bulk materials—will save you money and prevent the headache of ordering too little or too much.

What Exactly Is a Cubic Yard?

A cubic yard is a volume measurement: a cube that measures 3 feet long × 3 feet wide × 3 feet tall.

• 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet (3 × 3 × 3)
• It's roughly the size of a standard washing machine
• A full-size pickup truck bed holds about 2 cubic yards (not heaping)

How to Calculate Cubic Yards for Your Project

Step 1: Measure Your Area

Measure the length, width, and depth of the area you want to fill. Use feet for all measurements.

Step 2: Calculate Cubic Feet

Multiply: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) = Cubic Feet

Step 3: Convert to Cubic Yards

Divide your cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards: Cubic Feet ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards

Quick Reference Guide: Common Projects

Filling a Low Spot (20' × 10' × 1' deep)

About 8 cubic yards

Topdressing a Lawn (1,000 sq ft × 2" deep)

About 6 cubic yards

Garden Bed Fill (30' × 4' × 1.5' deep)

About 7 cubic yards

Driveway Base (50' × 12' × 4" deep)

About 8 cubic yards

Pro Tips for Ordering Materials

1. Always Round Up

It's better to have a little extra than to run short. Having another delivery scheduled costs more in time and delivery fees than ordering an extra cubic yard upfront.

2. Account for Settling

Loose fill dirt and topsoil will settle by 10-20% after delivery. Order extra to compensate, especially for areas that need to be level.

3. Consider Access

Make sure delivery trucks can access your site. Standard dump trucks need at least 10 feet of clearance width and 14 feet of height clearance.

4. Prepare Your Delivery Area

Have a flat, accessible spot ready for the material to be dumped. Avoid having it dropped on grass if you want to preserve the lawn underneath.

Different Materials, Different Volumes

While cubic yards measure volume, different materials have different weights and coverage:

• Fill Dirt: Good for filling holes and building up low areas
• Topsoil: Richer soil for gardens and lawns, typically more expensive
• Mulch: Lighter material, covers more area per cubic yard
• Gravel/Stone: Heavier, used for drainage and driveways

When to Call for Help

Unsure how much material you need? A professional hauling company can visit your site, take measurements, and recommend the right amount. This service is usually free with your order and ensures you get exactly what you need.