Fill Dirt Cost per Yard
Quick answer: HomeGuide’s cost guide puts fill dirt at $5–$25 per cubic yard delivered. A bulk truckload of 10–15 yards of dirt, topsoil, or sand costs about $150–$600 delivered, and spreading adds $200–$400. Clean or structural fill costs more than common fill. Delivery fees and minimum orders make small orders cost more per yard.
Fill dirt is subsoil used to raise grade, fill holes, and backfill. It is cheaper than topsoil because it has little organic matter. Price depends on the type of fill, how far it travels, how much you order, and whether you need it spread.
Work out how much you need first: see how much fill dirt do I need or use the fill dirt calculator, which also estimates cost.
Bulk dirt prices per cubic yard
From HomeGuide’s delivery cost guide (written September 2023, so expect some increase since).
| Material | Cost per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| Fill dirt | $5–$25 |
| Topsoil | $10–$50 |
| Black dirt | $15–$25 |
| Screened loam | $18–$26 |
| Sand | $15–$50 |
| Compost | $20–$50 |
HomeGuide also lists delivery charges of about $50–$150 per trip, depending on distance and access, and notes that some suppliers include delivery within about 10 miles.
Common fill vs. clean vs. structural fill
- Common fill: mixed subsoil that may contain rocks and some debris. Cheapest, and fine for filling low areas that won’t carry structures.
- Clean fill: soil without trash, concrete, or organic matter. Use it for backfill near foundations and for areas you will build on later.
- Structural or engineered fill: a graded, tested material that compacts to a specified density under slabs and footings. Most expensive, and the spec usually comes from the engineer.
Ask the supplier what is in the load. “Free fill” from construction sites can include concrete, roots, or contaminated soil that costs money to remove later.
Worked estimate: filling a low area
- Volume: a 20 × 30 ft area 4 in low on average: 600 × 4 ÷ 324 = 7.4 yd³. With 15% for compaction, order about 8.5 yd³.
- Material: 8.5 × $5–$25 = $43–$213.
- Delivery: one trip, about $50–$150 if it is not already included.
- Spreading (optional): about $200–$400 if the supplier or a landscaper spreads it.
For a job this size, one truckload covers it. Ordering a full 10–12 yard load may cost little more than 8.5 yards once delivery is included, so ask for both prices.
How to pay less for fill dirt
- Order the right amount once. Extra trips cost more than a slightly bigger load.
- Ask about full-load pricing. Per-yard rates usually drop on full truckloads.
- Check local excavation jobs. Contractors sometimes give away or discount clean fill to avoid disposal fees.
- Spread it yourself with a skid steer rental if you have the space and time.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard of fill dirt cost?
HomeGuide lists about $5–$25 per cubic yard delivered, with common fill at the low end and clean or structural fill higher. Local prices vary.
How much does a truckload of fill dirt cost?
A bulk truckload of 10–15 cubic yards of dirt, topsoil, or sand costs about $150–$600 delivered, according to HomeGuide. Spreading adds about $200–$400.
How much does fill dirt cost per ton?
Fill dirt weighs about 1.2 tons per cubic yard, so $5–$25 per yard works out to roughly $4–$21 per ton. Many quarries price by the ton, so compare on the same unit.
Is fill dirt cheaper than topsoil?
Usually yes. Fill dirt is about $5–$25 per yard while topsoil is about $10–$50, because topsoil is screened and has organic matter for plants.
Where can I get free fill dirt?
Local excavation and construction jobs, online marketplaces, and some municipal programs offer clean fill for free. Inspect it first and ask what it contains.
Related calculators and guides
Sources
Updated: October 17, 2026 by the YardsCalculator editorial team. Figures are planning estimates; confirm weights, truck capacity, and prices with local suppliers and haulers.