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How Much Does A Cubic Yard Of Dirt Cover: Know the Coverage
A cubic yard of dirt covers different amounts of land. How much land it covers depends on how deep you need the dirt to be. A cubic yard is like a big box. This box measures 3 feet on each side (length, width, and height). People often need to know this for yard work like gardening, leveling ground, or starting a new lawn. Knowing the coverage helps you buy the right amount. This saves you money and keeps you from having too much or too little dirt.
Grasping What a Cubic Yard Is
Think of a box. This box is 3 feet long. It is also 3 feet wide. And it is 3 feet tall. That is one cubic yard. It is a measure of volume. Volume tells you how much space something takes up.
Yard work often talks about dirt in cubic yards. Sand, gravel, and mulch also sell this way. It is a standard size. This size helps sellers and buyers agree on an amount. Knowing the size of this ‘box’ in feet is key. It helps you figure out how much area it will spread over on the ground.
The Simple Math of Coverage
How much ground does a cubic yard cover? It depends on how deep you spread the dirt. Imagine you take that 3x3x3 foot box of dirt. You dump it out. Then you spread it evenly over a flat area.
The deeper you spread it, the smaller the area it covers.
The thinner you spread it, the larger the area it covers.
This makes sense. If you spread it thick, it piles up fast. It will not go very far. If you spread it thin, it spreads out more. It will cover more ground.
The math is simple. You need to know the total amount of dirt you have (the volume). You also need to know how deep you want to spread it (the depth). The area it covers is the volume divided by the depth.
- Area = Volume / Depth
The trick is to use the same type of measurement for everything. We need to use feet for length, width, and depth.
Converting Yards to Feet
A cubic yard is based on feet. One yard is 3 feet.
So, one cubic yard is:
3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet
Multiply these numbers:
3 × 3 = 9
9 × 3 = 27
So, one cubic yard holds 27 cubic feet of material.
This is your volume. It is the amount of dirt you have. It is always 27 cubic feet for one cubic yard.
Turning Depth into Feet
Now, think about how deep you need the dirt. Most people think about dirt depth in inches. For example, you might need 2 inches of topsoil for a garden. Or you might need 6 inches of fill dirt to level a spot.
Our volume is in cubic feet. So, our depth must also be in feet. We need to change the inches into feet.
There are 12 inches in 1 foot.
To change inches to feet, you divide the number of inches by 12.
- Depth in feet = Depth in inches / 12
Let’s try some examples:
* 1 inch depth: 1 inch / 12 inches/foot = 1/12 feet
* 2 inch depth: 2 inches / 12 inches/foot = 2/12 feet = 1/6 feet
* 3 inch depth: 3 inches / 12 inches/foot = 3/12 feet = 1/4 feet (or 0.25 feet)
* 4 inch depth: 4 inches / 12 inches/foot = 4/12 feet = 1/3 feet (or about 0.333 feet)
* 6 inch depth: 6 inches / 12 inches/foot = 6/12 feet = 1/2 feet (or 0.5 feet)
* 12 inch depth (1 foot): 12 inches / 12 inches/foot = 1 foot
This step is very important. If you forget to change inches to feet, your answer will be wrong.
Seeing Coverage at Different Depths
Now we can put it all together. We know the volume is 27 cubic feet. We know how to turn our needed depth in inches into feet.
The formula is:
Area in square feet = 27 cubic feet / Depth in feet
Let’s figure out the cubic yard coverage for common depths. This tells you the square feet per cubic yard.
Coverage Examples
-
Depth of 1 inch:
- Depth in feet = 1 inch / 12 = 1/12 feet
- Area = 27 cubic feet / (1/12) feet
- Area = 27 * 12 square feet (dividing by a fraction is like multiplying by its flip)
- Area = 324 square feet
- So, one cubic yard covers about 324 square feet when spread 1 inch deep.
-
Depth of 2 inches:
- Depth in feet = 2 inches / 12 = 2/12 = 1/6 feet
- Area = 27 cubic feet / (1/6) feet
- Area = 27 * 6 square feet
- Area = 162 square feet
- One cubic yard covers about 162 square feet when spread 2 inches deep.
-
Depth of 3 inches:
- Depth in feet = 3 inches / 12 = 3/12 = 1/4 feet
- Area = 27 cubic feet / (1/4) feet
- Area = 27 * 4 square feet
- Area = 108 square feet
- One cubic yard covers about 108 square feet when spread 3 inches deep. This is a common depth for topsoil coverage area.
-
Depth of 4 inches:
- Depth in feet = 4 inches / 12 = 4/12 = 1/3 feet
- Area = 27 cubic feet / (1/3) feet
- Area = 27 * 3 square feet
- Area = 81 square feet
- One cubic yard covers about 81 square feet when spread 4 inches deep.
-
Depth of 6 inches:
- Depth in feet = 6 inches / 12 = 6/12 = 1/2 feet
- Area = 27 cubic feet / (1/2) feet
- Area = 27 * 2 square feet
- Area = 54 square feet
- One cubic yard covers about 54 square feet when spread 6 inches deep. This depth is often needed for fill dirt coverage.
-
Depth of 12 inches (1 foot):
- Depth in feet = 12 inches / 12 = 1 foot
- Area = 27 cubic feet / 1 foot
- Area = 27 square feet
- One cubic yard covers just 27 square feet when spread 1 foot deep.
This shows clearly how deep cubic yard covers a certain area. The deeper you go, the less area you cover.
A Quick Table Guide
Here is a table. It shows the cubic yard coverage at common depths.
| Needed Depth (Inches) | Needed Depth (Feet) | Square Feet Covered by 1 Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 1/12 feet | 324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 1/6 feet | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 1/4 feet (0.25 ft) | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 1/3 feet (0.333 ft) | 81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 1/2 feet (0.5 ft) | 54 sq ft |
| 12 inches | 1 foot | 27 sq ft |
This table is a handy tool. It gives you a quick look at square feet per cubic yard.
Things That Change Coverage
The numbers above are good starting points. But they are based on perfect conditions. In the real world, things can change how much area a cubic yard actually covers.
Dirt Settles Down
When dirt is first put down, it is loose. It has air pockets. Over time, the dirt will settle. It gets packed down. This happens because of rain, people walking on it, or just gravity. This is called compaction.
Compaction means the dirt will not stay at the exact height you spread it. It will get a little shorter. If your dirt settles by an inch, your final depth is less. This means the same amount of dirt (the cubic yard) will actually cover a little more area than you first figured for the settled depth.
However, when you are figuring out how much to buy, you should plan for the initial loose depth. The table figures are best for telling you how much area your cubic yard will cover right after you spread it at that thickness. To reach a final settled depth, you might need to add a little extra dirt at the start. Planning for settling is important.
What Kind of Dirt?
The type of dirt also matters a bit.
* Topsoil is often screened. It might be lighter and fluffier. It might settle more than heavy clay dirt.
* Fill dirt is often unscreened. It can have rocks or lumps. It might not spread quite as evenly. Its weight and mix affect settling.
* Mulch and gravel are different materials. They have bigger air spaces. They might compact less right away. But the cubic yard coverage math (27 cubic feet / depth in feet) still works for their volume.
When buying, ask your supplier about their dirt. They might have ideas based on their products.
Slopes and Spills
Is the area perfectly flat? Probably not. If you are filling a low spot or leveling a slope, the depth will not be the same everywhere. You will need more dirt where it is lowest. Less where it is higher. This makes figuring out the average depth tricky.
Also, you might spill some dirt. Some might get wasted around the edges. These small things mean the actual coverage might be slightly less than the perfect math says.
It is often a good idea to order a little extra dirt. A common tip is to add 10-15% to your final amount. This helps if the depth is not perfect, if dirt settles, or if you have waste.
Different Jobs, Different Depths
The right depth depends on your project.
Topsoil for Gardens
When you build a new garden bed or add to an old one, you use topsoil. Topsoil is rich in nutrients. Plants grow well in it. You usually do not need topsoil to be super deep.
* Adding a few inches to an existing garden might need 1-2 inches.
* Building a new raised bed might need 6-12 inches or even more, but often you fill the bottom with cheaper material first, then add 6-8 inches of topsoil on top.
For common tasks like topping off a garden or lawn, 1 to 3 inches is typical. The table shows one cubic yard covers a lot of area at these shallow depths (324 sq ft at 1 inch, 108 sq ft at 3 inches). Knowing this helps you find the topsoil coverage area you need.
Fill Dirt for Leveling
Fill dirt is used to fill holes or make the ground flat. It is not usually rich soil. Its main job is to add volume and raise the level of the ground. The depth needed for fill dirt can vary a lot.
* Filling small holes might just need a few inches.
* Leveling a spot for a shed or patio might need 6 inches or more.
* Filling a big ditch could need several feet of depth.
For deeper needs like leveling, you might need 6 inches or 1 foot depth. The table shows one cubic yard covers less area at these depths (54 sq ft at 6 inches, 27 sq ft at 1 foot). Knowing this is key for figuring out fill dirt coverage.
Measuring Your Spot
Before you can calculate how much dirt you need, you must know the size of the area you want to cover.
Finding the Area
Most yard areas are square or rectangle shapes.
To find the area of a square or rectangle:
* Measure the length of the area in feet.
* Measure the width of the area in feet.
* Multiply the length by the width.
- Area (in square feet) = Length (in feet) × Width (in feet)
Example: You want to cover a garden bed that is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide.
* Area = 10 feet × 5 feet
* Area = 50 square feet
If your area is a circle, the math is a little different:
* Measure the distance from the center to the edge (this is the radius) in feet.
* Multiply the radius by itself (radius × radius).
* Multiply that number by pi (use 3.14).
- Area (in square feet) = 3.14 × radius (in feet) × radius (in feet)
Example: You have a round area for a tree that has a radius of 4 feet.
* Area = 3.14 × 4 feet × 4 feet
* Area = 3.14 × 16 square feet
* Area = 50.24 square feet (about 50 sq ft)
If your area has a strange shape, you can try to break it into smaller squares, rectangles, or circles. Find the area of each small part. Then add them up. Or, you can guess the shape it is closest to (like a large rectangle) and use that size. It does not have to be perfect, but a good guess helps.
Checking How Deep You Need
Next, figure out the depth. This depends on your project goals.
* Are you adding just a little topsoil to make soil better? Maybe 1-2 inches.
* Are you starting a new lawn and adding soil? Maybe 3-4 inches.
* Are you filling a low spot? Measure the deepest part you need to fill. Maybe it averages 6 inches across the area.
Measure the depth in inches. Use a ruler or a tape measure. Check the depth in a few spots if the ground is uneven. Try to get an average depth if you are filling a hole or leveling.
Remember to think about settling. If you need a final depth of 3 inches after settling, you might want to plan for 3.5 or 4 inches when you first spread it.
Using a Dirt Calculator
Many websites and stores that sell dirt have a dirt coverage calculator or yard of dirt calculator. These tools make it easy. They do the math for you.
Usually, a calculator will ask you for:
1. The shape of your area (square/rectangle, circle, or sometimes just area).
2. The size of your area (length and width, or radius, or just the total square footage you already figured out). Make sure you use the right units (feet or inches, usually feet for area).
3. The depth you need (usually in inches).
You type in your numbers. The calculator then uses the math we talked about. It figures out your area in square feet. It changes your depth in inches to feet. Then it calculates the volume you need in cubic feet. Finally, it divides that volume by 27 to tell you how many cubic yards to order.
- Calculate dirt needed:
- Area (sq ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft)
- Depth (ft) = Depth (inches) / 12
- Volume needed (cubic ft) = Area (sq ft) × Depth (ft)
- Cubic Yards needed = Volume needed (cubic ft) / 27
A dirt coverage calculator does these steps fast. It is a very helpful tool. It helps you estimate the cubic yards needed based on your area and desired depth.
A Practice Project
Let’s walk through two examples.
Project 1: Filling a Low Spot
You have a low spot in your yard. It needs to be level with the rest of the ground.
* The low spot is about 15 feet long and 10 feet wide.
* You measure the depth needed. It is about 6 inches deep on average.
Step 1: Find the area.
* Area = Length × Width
* Area = 15 feet × 10 feet
* Area = 150 square feet
Step 2: Find the depth in feet.
* Depth in feet = Depth in inches / 12
* Depth in feet = 6 inches / 12
* Depth in feet = 0.5 feet (or 1/2 foot)
Step 3: Calculate the volume needed in cubic feet.
* Volume = Area × Depth
* Volume = 150 square feet × 0.5 feet
* Volume = 75 cubic feet
Step 4: Calculate the number of cubic yards.
* Cubic Yards = Volume in cubic feet / 27
* Cubic Yards = 75 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/yard
* Cubic Yards = 2.78 cubic yards
So, you need about 2.78 cubic yards of fill dirt. Since you can’t usually buy parts of a yard, you would likely order 3 cubic yards. It is also wise to add a little extra for settling or unevenness. Ordering 3 yards is a good plan.
Project 2: Making a New Garden Bed
You are building a new raised garden bed frame.
* The frame is 8 feet long and 4 feet wide.
* You want to fill it with 10 inches of good topsoil.
Step 1: Find the area.
* Area = Length × Width
* Area = 8 feet × 4 feet
* Area = 32 square feet
Step 2: Find the depth in feet.
* Depth in feet = Depth in inches / 12
* Depth in feet = 10 inches / 12
* Depth in feet = 10/12 feet = 5/6 feet (or about 0.833 feet)
Step 3: Calculate the volume needed in cubic feet.
* Volume = Area × Depth
* Volume = 32 square feet × (5/6) feet
* Volume = (32 * 5) / 6 cubic feet
* Volume = 160 / 6 cubic feet
* Volume = 26.67 cubic feet (about)
Step 4: Calculate the number of cubic yards.
* Cubic Yards = Volume in cubic feet / 27
* Cubic Yards = 26.67 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/yard
* Cubic Yards = 0.99 cubic yards (about)
In this case, you need just under one cubic yard. You would order 1 cubic yard. This shows that for smaller areas or shallower depths, you might not even need a full yard. But for a deeper need, even in a small area, you get close to a yard fast.
These examples show you how to calculate dirt needed. They use the idea of cubic yard to square feet based on depth.
Tips When Buying Dirt
- Figure your needs first: Use the math or a yard of dirt calculator. Know your area and depth.
- Add a buffer: Order a little extra. 10-15% more is often a good idea. This helps with settling, spills, and uneven spots.
- Know the type: Are you buying topsoil or fill dirt? Make sure you ask for the right kind for your project.
- Check delivery: How will the dirt get to you? Will it be dumped? Can the truck get to where you need it?
Buying the right amount saves time and money. You avoid extra delivery fees or having too much dirt left over.
Wrapping Up
Knowing how much ground a cubic yard of dirt covers is useful for any yard project. The key is the depth you plan to spread it. One cubic yard is always 27 cubic feet. You find the coverage area by dividing 27 by your needed depth in feet.
* 1 cubic yard spreads over about 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep.
* 1 cubic yard spreads over about 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep.
* 1 cubic yard spreads over about 54 sq ft at 6 inches deep.
Factors like settling, dirt type, and uneven ground can change the exact coverage. It is smart to measure your area carefully and add a little extra to your order. Using a dirt coverage calculator or doing the simple math helps you get the right amount of dirt for your job.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
H5 Is a “yard” of dirt the same as a “cubic yard” of dirt?
Yes, in the context of buying dirt or other bulk landscaping materials, when someone says a “yard” of dirt, they almost always mean a “cubic yard”.
H5 How much does a cubic yard of dirt weigh?
The weight of a cubic yard of dirt changes a lot. It depends on the type of dirt and how wet it is. Dry, screened topsoil might weigh about 2,000 pounds (1 ton). Heavy, wet clay fill dirt could weigh over 3,000 pounds (1.5 tons). This is why dirt is sold by volume (cubic yard) and not by weight.
H5 Can I figure out the dimensions of a cubic yard?
Yes. A cubic yard is a measure of volume. It is the space taken up by a cube that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet tall. So, the cubic yard dimensions are 3 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft. This equals 27 cubic feet.
H5 Does dirt settle after it is put down?
Yes, dirt almost always settles. This is called compaction. How much it settles depends on the type of dirt and how much it is packed down. It can settle by 10% to 20% or even more over time. You should plan for this when figuring out the starting depth you need.
H5 Is a cubic yard a lot of dirt?
Yes, a cubic yard is a good amount of dirt. It is often delivered by a truck. It can look like a big pile. It is enough to cover a medium-sized garden bed several inches deep or a larger area thinly.