Fill dirt is one of the most commonly ordered bulk landscape materials for grading, drainage correction, and raising low spots — but before you order, it helps to know what you're dealing with in terms of weight. The short answer: a cubic yard of fill dirt typically weighs between 2,000 and 2,500 pounds, with moisture content and composition being the main variables.
Let's break down exactly what fill dirt weighs, why it differs from topsoil, and what it means for your delivery in Massachusetts.
Fill Dirt vs. Topsoil: What's the Difference?
Before we talk weight, it's worth clarifying what fill dirt actually is — because it's not the same as topsoil, and confusing the two is one of the most common ordering mistakes homeowners make.
Topsoil is the nutrient-rich upper layer of soil (typically the top 6–12 inches of the earth's surface). It contains organic matter, microorganisms, and the nutrients that support plant growth. It's what you spread in garden beds, lawns, and planting areas.
Fill dirt is subsoil — material pulled from below the topsoil layer. It has little to no organic content, which actually makes it better for structural applications. Fill dirt compacts firmly, doesn't decompose over time (which would cause settling), and provides a stable base.
Use fill dirt for:
- Raising the grade around a foundation
- Filling holes, trenches, or low-lying areas
- Creating a compacted base before topsoil and landscaping
- Correcting drainage problems
Use topsoil for:
- Lawn establishment and overseeding
- Garden beds and raised planters
- Top-dressing existing lawn areas
- Any application where you want plant growth
How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Fill Dirt Weigh?
| Fill Dirt Condition | Weight per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|
| Dry fill dirt | ~2,000–2,100 lbs |
| Moist fill dirt | ~2,300–2,500 lbs |
| Wet/saturated fill dirt | ~2,500–2,700 lbs |
| Clay-heavy fill dirt | ~2,600–3,000 lbs |
The biggest factor is moisture. Fill dirt sourced from excavation sites in New England — especially in spring — can be quite wet, pushing toward the higher end of this range.
For planning purposes, use 2,200–2,400 lbs per cubic yard as a reliable working estimate.
Fill Dirt Weight vs. Topsoil Weight: Is There a Difference?
In practice, fill dirt and screened topsoil often weigh very similar amounts per cubic yard — both typically fall in the 2,000–2,500 lb range. The key differences come down to composition:
- Fill dirt with high clay content tends to be heavier than sandy fill dirt.
- Fill dirt with rocky debris or construction material can be heavier still.
- Screened topsoil tends to be lighter and fluffier than unscreened fill dirt because screening aerates the material and removes rocks.
When you order from Ottr Landscape Supply, you're getting consistently graded material — so you can plan with confidence.
How Many Yards of Fill Dirt Do You Need?
Use this formula to calculate volume:
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in feet) ÷ 27
Important: Fill dirt compacts after delivery. Budget for 10–20% more than your calculated volume to account for settling, especially if you're bringing in material to raise a grade or fill a depression.
| Area to Fill (sq ft) | Depth | Cubic Yards Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 3 inches | ~1 yard |
| 200 sq ft | 3 inches | ~2 yards |
| 500 sq ft | 3 inches | ~5 yards |
| 100 sq ft | 6 inches | ~2 yards |
| 200 sq ft | 6 inches | ~4 yards |
Need help calculating your project? Try our Landscape Materials Calculator.
What Does Fill Dirt Weight Mean for Delivery?
At Ottr Landscape Supply, we deliver up to 6 cubic yards per load for dense materials like fill dirt and topsoil. That's a maximum of roughly 12,000–15,000 pounds of material per trip.
If your project requires more than 6 yards, we'll schedule multiple loads. Our flat delivery fee is $100 per load.
Before your delivery, make sure:
- Your driveway can support a loaded dump truck (typically 40,000–50,000 lbs combined vehicle + material weight)
- There's a clear, level area for the driver to position the truck and raise the bed
- Overhead clearance is adequate — raised dump beds can reach 15+ feet
- You've marked any underground irrigation lines, septic components, or utility areas to avoid
Ordering Fill Dirt in Greater Boston, MA
Ottr Landscape Supply delivers fill dirt across Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Middlesex Counties — including Boston, Quincy, Braintree, Milton, Dedham, Norwood, Weymouth, Hingham, Norwell, and hundreds of additional communities throughout Greater Boston.
Same-day delivery is available on most orders placed before mid-morning.
Shop Fill Dirt → | Request a Quote → | Calculate Your Order →
Ottr Landscape Supply is a female-owned, family-run bulk landscape materials business based in Greater Boston, MA. We deliver fill dirt, topsoil, gravel, mulch, sand, and decorative stone to 315+ service areas across Massachusetts.
