How Much Does Fill Dirt Cost? 2026 Price Guide
Fill dirt costs $5-15 per cubic yard on average, but prices vary by type, quantity, and delivery. Complete 2026 pricing breakdown for contractors and homeowners.
Average Fill Dirt Prices
Fill dirt prices range from free to $25+ per cubic yard depending on type, quality, quantity, and whether delivery is included.
| Material | Price Range (per CY) | Delivered |
|---|---|---|
| Unscreened fill dirt | $0-8 | +$5-15/CY |
| Screened clean fill | $8-15 | +$5-15/CY |
| Topsoil | $15-40 | +$8-20/CY |
| Clay fill | $5-12 | +$5-15/CY |
| Sand fill | $15-30 | +$8-15/CY |
| Gravel | $20-45 | +$8-20/CY |
The single biggest factor is whether you haul it yourself. Pickup prices can be half or less of delivered prices.
Free Fill Dirt Is More Common Than You Think
Contractors with active excavation projects frequently give away excess fill dirt for free. They're producing dirt as a byproduct of their work and need to dispose of it. Giving it away is cheaper than paying landfill tipping fees.
Where to find free fill dirt:
The catch: you need to haul it yourself, and it's available when the contractor has it — not necessarily when you need it. Planning ahead helps.
What Affects Fill Dirt Price?
Material type: Screened, tested, certified clean fill costs more than unscreened subsoil straight from a dig.
Quantity: Bulk orders (50+ cubic yards) get better per-yard pricing. Small loads (under 5 yards) often have minimum delivery charges.
Delivery distance: Most suppliers charge by the mile for delivery. Expect $5-15/CY for delivery within 20 miles, more for longer hauls.
Season: Spring and summer are peak construction season. Dirt is more plentiful (more projects generating excess) but demand is higher too.
Location: Urban areas with active construction have more supply and competition. Rural areas may have fewer options and higher delivery costs.
How to Calculate What You Need
Measure your area in feet:
Cubic yards = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27
Examples:
Always order 10-15% extra for compaction. Fill dirt compresses when compacted, so you'll need more than the raw volume calculation suggests.
How to Save Money on Fill Dirt
Frequently Asked Questions
?How much does a truckload of fill dirt cost?
A standard dump truck holds 10-14 cubic yards. At typical prices, that's $50-210 for the material plus $150-300 for delivery, totaling $200-500 per truckload. Free fill (you haul) eliminates the material cost entirely.
?Is fill dirt cheaper than topsoil?
Yes, significantly. Fill dirt typically costs $5-15/cubic yard compared to $15-40/cubic yard for topsoil. Fill dirt is often available for free because it's a byproduct of excavation, while topsoil must be harvested and screened.
?How many cubic yards of fill dirt do I need for my yard?
Multiply the area in square feet by the depth in feet, then divide by 27. For raising a yard by 6 inches: (square footage × 0.5) ÷ 27. A 5,000 sq ft yard raised 6 inches needs about 93 cubic yards. Add 10-15% for compaction.
?Does fill dirt need to be compacted?
Yes, especially under slabs, foundations, or pavement. Uncompacted fill will settle over time, causing cracks and structural issues. Fill should be placed in 6-8 inch lifts and compacted to 95% density for structural applications.