Dirt Load Calculator

The Dirt Load Calculator is a useful tool that helps in estimating the volume, weight, and cost of dirt required for a specific project. It is commonly used in construction, landscaping, and agriculture to calculate how much dirt is needed to fill an area, how much it will weigh, and the overall cost involved in purchasing and transporting the dirt.

This calculator is particularly beneficial when managing large-scale earth-moving projects, as it simplifies the process of determining the amount of dirt and its associated costs. Whether you’re building a foundation, leveling land, or preparing for landscaping, this tool streamlines the calculations and provides a clearer understanding of the material requirements.

Formula of Dirt Load Calculator

1. Volume of Dirt

To calculate the volume of dirt required, the following formula is used:

Volume of Dirt = Length × Width × Depth

Where:

• Length = the length of the area to be filled (in meters)
• Width = the width of the area to be filled (in meters)
• Depth = the depth of dirt needed (in meters)

This formula gives you the total volume in cubic meters (m³).

2. Weight of Dirt (if the density of dirt is known)

To calculate the weight of dirt, if the density is known, the following formula is used:

Weight of Dirt = Volume of Dirt × Density of Dirt

Where:

• Volume of Dirt = the result from the volume calculation (in cubic meters)
• Density of Dirt = the weight per unit volume of dirt (typically in kilograms per cubic meter, kg/m³)

Common densities for dirt types are:

• Sandy soil: 1,500 kg/m³
• Clay soil: 1,700 kg/m³
• Loamy soil: 1,600 kg/m³

3. Cost of Dirt (if applicable)

If you are purchasing the dirt, the cost can be calculated using the following formula:

Cost of Dirt = Volume of Dirt × Price per Cubic Meter

Where:

• Volume of Dirt = the result from the volume calculation (in cubic meters)
• Price per Cubic Meter = the cost of one cubic meter of dirt (usually given in dollars per cubic meter)

This will give you the total cost of the dirt for your project.

General Terms for Dirt Load Calculations

This table provides general terms and measurements that people commonly search for when using the Dirt Load Calculator.

Term	Description
Volume of Dirt	The total amount of dirt in cubic meters (m³)
Weight of Dirt	The weight of the dirt in kilograms (kg)
Density of Dirt	The weight per unit volume of dirt (kg/m³)
Price per Cubic Meter	The cost of one cubic meter of dirt in local currency
Cubic Meter (m³)	A unit of volume equal to the volume of a cube with sides of one meter
Metric Ton (tonne)	A unit of weight equal to 1,000 kilograms

This table helps users familiarize themselves with the key terms involved in dirt load calculations and understand how to apply them in their projects.

Example of Dirt Load Calculator

Suppose you have a landscaping project that requires filling a rectangular area with dirt. The dimensions are as follows:

• Length = 5 meters
• Width = 3 meters
• Depth = 0.2 meters

Step 1: Calculate the volume of dirt required

Volume of Dirt = Length × Width × Depth
Volume of Dirt = 5 × 3 × 0.2 = 3 cubic meters (m³)

Step 2: Calculate the weight of the dirt (using the density of sandy soil, which is 1,500 kg/m³)

Weight of Dirt = Volume of Dirt × Density of Dirt
Weight of Dirt = 3 × 1,500 = 4,500 kg (or 4.5 metric tons)

Step 3: Calculate the cost of dirt (assuming the price per cubic meter is $50)

Cost of Dirt = Volume of Dirt × Price per Cubic Meter
Cost of Dirt = 3 × 50 = $150

So, for this project, you need 3 cubic meters of dirt, which weighs 4,500 kg, and will cost you $150.

Most Common FAQs