How To Figure Yards Of Dirt

How to Figure Yards of Dirt: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Whether you’re planning a landscaping project, filling a garden bed, or leveling ground for construction, knowing how to figure yards of dirt is crucial. Estimating the right amount of dirt helps you save money, time, and effort. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to accurately calculate how many cubic yards of dirt you need.

What Is a Cubic Yard of Dirt?

A cubic yard is a unit of volume that measures 3 feet wide by 3 feet long by 3 feet deep. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. When you buy topsoil, fill dirt, or garden soil in bulk, it’s typically sold by the cubic yard.

Step-by-Step Guide to Figure Out Yards of Dirt

1. Measure Your Project Area

Start by measuring the length, width, and depth of the area you need to fill.

• Length (L): Measure in feet

• Width (W): Measure in feet

• Depth (D): Convert inches to feet (e.g., 6 inches = 0.5 feet)

Example: If your flower bed is 10 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 6 inches deep, you’ll use:

L = 10 ft, W = 5 ft, D = 0.5 ft

2. Apply the Formula for Calculating Dirt

To determine the cubic feet:

Length × Width × Depth = Cubic Feet

Next, change to cubic yards:

1 cubic yard is equal to 27 cubic feet.

Using our illustration:

25 cubic feet (10 × 5 × 0.5).

0.93 cubic yards is 25 ÷ 27.

Therefore, about one cubic yard of earth will be needed.

Use a Calculator for Dirt Yardage (Optional)

Not interested in math? Make use of a dirt yard calculator online. Simply enter the dimensions, and the required number of cubic yards will be immediately calculated. Use keywords such as “soil volume estimator” or “cubic yard calculator for dirt” to find the tools you need.

Pro Tips for Ordering Dirt

• Round up: Always round up to the nearest whole number to ensure you have enough.

• Account for compaction: Dirt settles, especially fill dirt. Add 5–10% extra to compensate.

• Know your dirt type: Topsoil, fill dirt, and garden soil all serve different purposes.

Common Dirt Volume FAQs

How many wheelbarrows are in a cubic yard of dirt?

• One cubic yard = 14–15 wheelbarrow loads (standard 2-cubic-foot wheelbarrow)

How much does a yard of dirt weigh?

• One cubic yard of dry dirt weighs around 2,000 lbs (1 ton)

• Wet dirt can weigh significantly more

How much dirt do I need for raised beds?

• Measure the inside dimensions of the bed

• Use the same L × W × D ÷ 27 formula to get cubic yards