Dirt Calculator
Estimate dirt volume and weight for excavation.
Last updated 2026-08-21
What Is a Dirt Calculator?
A dirt calculator estimates the volume and weight of soil you are moving for an excavation or fill project. You enter the length, width, and depth, and it returns both cubic yards and tons. Weight matters because haulers often charge by weight and you need it to choose the right truck and trailer.
How It Works
Volume = Length × Width × Depth. Weight ≈ Cubic yards × 1.25 tons.
Example
A 20 ft × 10 ft × 3 ft area: 22.2 cu yd ≈ 27.8 tons of dirt.
How to Calculate
- Measure the length, width, and depth in feet. A 20 ft by 10 ft by 3 ft area is 600 cubic feet, or 22.2 cubic yards.
- The tool multiplies the cubic yards by about 1.25 tons to estimate weight.
- For 22.2 cubic yards, the estimated weight is about 27.8 tons.
- Use the weight to pick a truck size and to confirm you are not overloading any trailer or bridge.
- Remember wet or saturated soil weighs noticeably more than the dry estimate.
Dirt Weight by Material per Cubic Yard
| Material | Weight per Cu Yd (tons) | Weight per Cu Yd (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| Dry topsoil | 1.0 to 1.1 | 2,000 to 2,200 |
| Moist loam | 1.1 to 1.2 | 2,200 to 2,400 |
| Wet clay | 1.3 to 1.5 | 2,600 to 3,000 |
| Sand | 1.2 to 1.4 | 2,400 to 2,800 |
| Gravel | 1.3 to 1.5 | 2,600 to 3,000 |
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a yard of dirt weigh?
About 2,000–2,500 lb (1–1.25 tons) per cubic yard depending on moisture and composition.
Why do I need the weight?
Haulers often charge by weight, and you need it to choose a truck and trailer.
Does wet soil weigh more?
Yes — saturated soil can run noticeably heavier than the dry estimate.
Estimate the cost with the Excavation Cost Calculator or browse Excavation Calculators