Category
Dimensions calculators
The geometry of construction: how much material fits in a space, how much fill dirt or gravel to bring in, and how many truckloads that translates to. Volumes are computed for rectangular, circular and triangular footprints, with built-in densities for common materials and a configurable compaction factor.
All Dimensions calculators
Why volume isn’t the same as what you order
The volume of a hole isn’t the same as the volume of material to order. Loose material settles when compacted; trucks deliver less effective volume when the load isn’t fully consolidated. We apply a default compaction factor of 1.25 (order 25 % more than the hole), which you can tune up or down depending on your contractor and material — uniform sand may need 10 – 15 %, structural fill on a wet site may need 30 % or more.
Material densities we use
- Fill dirt, loose: 2,200 lb/yd³ (1,306 kg/m³)
- Fill dirt, compacted: 2,800 lb/yd³ (1,661 kg/m³)
- Topsoil: 2,000 lb/yd³
- Sand: 2,700 lb/yd³
- Gravel: 2,800 lb/yd³
- Crushed stone: 2,700 lb/yd³
Densities vary with moisture, gradation and source. Our values are reasonable defaults; for any sizable order, ask your supplier for the actual density of the product they’ll deliver.
Truckloads
A standard tri-axle dump truck carries roughly 14 cubic yards. The calculator uses 14 yd³ as the default and rounds up — a partial truckload usually costs the same as a full one. Adjust the capacity to match your local fleet (10-yd single-axle, 16-yd dump trailer, etc.).