Select Fill Calculator
When working on construction or landscaping projects, one common task is determining how much material—such as select fill—is needed to fill a certain area. Whether you’re leveling a backyard, building a foundation, or backfilling a trench, you need accurate volume estimates to purchase the right amount of material. That’s where the Select Fill Calculator comes in handy.
Select fill is a type of soil or dirt used in grading and construction to provide a stable and level base. It’s commonly used beneath foundations, driveways, or raised areas. This calculator helps you compute the amount of select fill you need by inputting the length, width, and depth of the area.
Formula
To calculate the volume of select fill required, you use the formula for volume:
Volume (in cubic feet) = Length × Width × Depth
Note that:
- Length and Width are measured in feet
- Depth is usually measured in inches, so you must convert it to feet by dividing by 12
To convert the result to cubic yards, divide the cubic feet by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12)) ÷ 27
How to Use the Select Fill Calculator
Using the calculator is simple and fast:
- Enter the length of the area in feet.
- Enter the width of the area in feet.
- Enter the depth of fill you need in inches.
- Click the “Calculate” button.
- The tool will show the required volume in cubic feet and cubic yards.
Example
Let’s say you want to fill a rectangular area that is:
- Length = 20 feet
- Width = 10 feet
- Depth = 6 inches
Step 1: Convert depth to feet: 6 ÷ 12 = 0.5 ft
Step 2: Calculate volume in cubic feet:
20 × 10 × 0.5 = 100 cubic feet
Step 3: Convert to cubic yards:
100 ÷ 27 ≈ 3.70 cubic yards
So, you would need approximately 100 cu ft or 3.70 cu yd of select fill.
FAQs
1. What is select fill?
Select fill is a type of material—usually a mixture of clay, sand, and dirt—used in construction to fill voids, level land, and support foundations.
2. Why is it important to calculate select fill volume?
Accurate volume calculations help prevent over-ordering (wasting money) or under-ordering (project delays).
3. What units does this calculator use?
It uses feet for length and width, inches for depth, and outputs volume in cubic feet and cubic yards.
4. Can I use metric units in this calculator?
This version is designed for U.S. customary units. For metric units, you’ll need to use a different calculator or convert your values manually.
5. How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard.
6. Can I use this for concrete or gravel too?
Yes, the same volume calculations apply, though the weight and density of materials will differ.
7. What is the standard depth for select fill?
It varies by project, but common depths range from 4 to 12 inches depending on the foundation or fill requirements.
8. Does this calculator account for compaction?
No. If your project requires compacted fill, consider adding an extra 10–15% to your estimate.
9. How accurate is this calculator?
It gives precise volume estimates based on the inputs, but field conditions (slope, obstacles) may affect actual material needs.
10. Can I reuse leftover select fill?
Yes, leftover material can be stored and reused for future landscaping or leveling tasks.
11. How much does select fill cost per cubic yard?
Prices vary by region and supplier but typically range from $10 to $35 per cubic yard, excluding delivery.
12. What type of projects use select fill?
It’s commonly used for foundations, driveways, patios, backfills, and landscaping.
13. Can I layer select fill with other materials?
Yes, it can be used beneath gravel, concrete, or topsoil as a stable base.
14. What tools do I need to spread select fill?
Typically, a shovel, rake, wheelbarrow, and possibly machinery like a skid steer or compactor.
15. What’s the density of select fill?
It varies, but dry select fill often weighs around 100–110 lbs per cubic foot.
16. Can I rent select fill by the cubic yard?
Usually, you buy select fill by the cubic yard, but rental yards may deliver and dump it for you.
17. Should I order extra material?
Yes, ordering 5–10% extra is a good practice to account for spillage and settling.
18. How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?
Multiply square footage by the depth in feet, then divide by 27.
19. Can I use this calculator for round areas?
This version is for rectangular areas. For circular areas, use the formula for the area of a circle: π × radius² × depth.
20. Is select fill the same as topsoil?
No. Select fill is engineered for structure and drainage, whereas topsoil is nutrient-rich and used for planting.
Conclusion
The Select Fill Calculator is a must-have tool for homeowners, contractors, and landscapers who need fast and accurate fill volume estimates. With just a few measurements, you can figure out how much fill dirt you’ll need to get the job done right—saving both time and money.