Fill Dirt – m³, Tons & Compaction Loss

This tool applies the formula Compacted m³ = Area × Depth; Loose = × 1.15-1.3; Tons = × 1.6 directly to the measurements you enter, so the result is an exact quantity rather than a rough guess. Because fill dirt is priced and delivered per unit - cubic meters, square meters, bags or tonnes - a small measurement error multiplies across the entire order, which is why the calculation is worth doing properly. Worked example: Raising a 50 m² yard 30 cm: 15 m³ compacted, 18 loose, 24 t - one 12 m³ truck plus a small load. One note from practice: Order 15-30% more than compacted math - under-delivered fill costs a second delivery fee. Enter the area, lift depth and compaction target, check the totals, then round up to the nearest whole bag, sheet or roll before you place the order.

1. 1

   Measure the space

   Record the area, lift depth and compaction target at the widest and longest points.

2. 2

   Enter the values

   Type the measurements into the calculator and select your units.

3. 3

   Apply the formula

   The tool computes Compacted m³ = Area × Depth; Loose = × 1.15-1.3; Tons = × 1.6 for your inputs instantly.

4. 4

   Add waste and order

   Review the total with a 5-10% margin and round up to whole units.

• Ignoring soil swell

• Ordering by weight not volume

• Steep unshored walls