Whether you’re starting a new landscaping project, filling in a hole, or simply adding a layer of topsoil to revitalize your garden, calculating the right amount of dirt needed is an essential part of any project. Here’s a detailed guide to help you determine how many yards of dirt you’ll require.

1. Determine Your Project Area

First, calculate the total area that needs to be filled with dirt. Measure the length, width, and height (depth) of the area in feet. If your project space has an irregular shape, divide it into smaller squares or rectangles to simplify the calculations.

2. Convert Measurements to Cubic Feet

Once you have the dimensions of your project area, multiply the length by the width and then by the depth (height) to get the volume in cubic feet.

Formula: Volume in Cubic Feet = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft)

Example: If your project area has a length of 10 feet, a width of 8 feet, and a depth of 2 feet, then:

Volume in Cubic Feet = 10 ft x 8 ft x 2 ft = 160 cubic feet.

3. Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards

Since dirt is usually sold by the cubic yard, you need to convert cubic feet into cubic yards. To do this, divide your total volume in cubic feet by 27 (since there are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard).

Formula: Volume in Cubic Yards = Volume in Cubic Feet / 27

Example: Using our previous example with a total volume of 160 cubic feet:

Volume in Cubic Yards = 160 cubic feet / 27 = 5.93 cubic yards.

4. Add Extra for Compaction

When purchasing dirt for filling purposes, it’s important to account for compaction. Dirt tends to settle and compact over time, so having extra will ensure the area remains level. Add approximately 10-15% extra dirt to your calculated total cubic yards.

Formula: Total Cubic Yards Needed = Volume in Cubic Yards x (1 + Compaction Rate)

Example: Using our previous example and assuming a 10% compaction rate:

Total Cubic Yards Needed = 5.93 cubic yards × (1 + 0.10) = 5.93 × 1.10 = 6.52 cubic yards.

5. Order Your Dirt

Now that you’ve calculated the total amount of dirt needed in cubic yards, it’s time to order or purchase it from a local supplier. Keep in mind that the price may vary depending on the type of dirt and delivery costs.

In conclusion, correctly calculating the number of yards of dirt needed for your project will not only help you save time and money but also ensure a successful outcome. Follow these simple steps to measure, calculate, and order the right amount of dirt for your next project.