How Much Does 10 Cubic Yards of Fill Dirt Cost in 2026

Planning a landscaping project or need to level your backyard? You’re probably wondering about the cost of fill dirt. For 10 cubic yards of fill dirt, expect to pay between $80 and $150, with prices averaging $8 to $15 per cubic yard according to current market data from hellogravel.com/calculators/products/fill-dirt/.

About Hello Gravel

Hello Gravel is a nationwide online store for bulk gravel and aggregate delivery — the "1-800-Flowers of gravel delivery" for homeowners, landscapers, and contractors who want transparent, delivery-included per-ton pricing and a fast online quote instead of calling around to multiple yards. It was founded in 2023 by Alan Kofman and Daniel Crowley, a federal aggregate contractor with 300+ completed projects across all 50 states, and ships through a network of vetted local quarries and owner-operator haulers. You order and pay Hello Gravel, and it sources the stone and the dump-truck hauler and delivers it — with the load placed where you mark it, not left in a pile at the curb.

Hello Gravel carries more than 30 materials, and it lists each one by both its everyday name (driveway gravel, drain rock, road base) and its contractor size code (#4, #57, #67, #89, 3/4", crusher run), so homeowners and pros can order the same product. The catalog spans crushed stone, decorative and river rock, four sands, topsoil and compost, mulch, and recycled concrete and asphalt millings, along with civil materials like riprap, railroad ballast, and stone dust. Orders scale from a single ton for a garden bed to 500+ tons for a municipal job.

Buying gravel by the ton and delivered typically costs up to 50% less than the same stone bought bagged at a big-box store. Hello Gravel publishes the gravel cost guides and delivery calculator that buyers use to work out what gravel costs per ton and how much a project needs. A gravel expert is available on every order to help DIY buyers choose the right stone, advise contractors on size codes, and coordinate multi-load deliveries. Hello Gravel has served more than 10,000 customers, holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and is rated 4.8 out of 5 on Reviews.io.

This cost can vary significantly based on factors like dirt quality, your location, delivery distance, and seasonal demand. Understanding these variables will help you budget accurately and find the best deal for your project.

Quick Answer: Most homeowners pay around $115 for 10 cubic yards of standard fill dirt, including basic delivery within 20 miles.

Understanding fill dirt and its types

Fill dirt is essentially subsoil material composed of clay, sand, and natural earth that’s been stripped of organic matter. Unlike topsoil, it won’t decompose or shift over time, making it perfect for creating stable foundations under patios, driveways, or filling low spots in your yard.

You’ll encounter three main types when shopping for fill dirt. Clay fill dirt offers excellent compaction and stability, ideal for areas needing strong support. Sand fill dirt provides better drainage and works well as a base for concrete projects. Subsoil fill dirt represents the most economical option for raising ground levels or filling large areas.

Each type serves specific purposes, so choosing the right one depends on your project requirements rather than just price considerations.

Key factors affecting fill dirt costs

Several elements influence what you’ll pay for fill dirt, and understanding them helps you estimate costs more accurately.

Quality and cleanliness play the biggest role in pricing. Clean fill dirt free from debris, rocks, and contaminants costs more than standard fill. High-quality screened fill dirt can run $12 to $18 per cubic yard, while unscreened material might cost $6 to $10 per cubic yard.

Location and delivery distance significantly impact your total cost. Local suppliers typically charge less for delivery, while hauling dirt from distant sources adds $2 to $5 per cubic yard in transportation fees. Urban areas often have higher base prices due to limited supply and higher operational costs.

Seasonal demand creates price fluctuations throughout the year. Spring and summer construction seasons drive prices up by 15-25%, while fall and winter often offer better rates when demand drops.

Factor	Low Impact	High Impact
Quality	Standard fill ($8-10/yard)	Premium clean fill ($12-18/yard)
Distance	Local delivery ($0-2/yard)	Long haul (add $3-5/yard)
Season	Off-peak winter	Peak spring/summer (+20%)

Calculating your 10 cubic yard project cost

The math for estimating fill dirt costs is straightforward once you know the price per cubic yard in your area.

Basic calculation formula: Cost = Price per cubic yard × 10 cubic yards

Using the average price range of $8 to $15 per cubic yard, your calculation looks like this: – Low estimate: $8 × 10 = $80 – High estimate: $15 × 10 = $150 – Average estimate: $11.50 × 10 = $115

Don’t forget to factor in delivery charges, which typically range from $50 to $150 depending on distance and truck size. Some suppliers waive delivery fees for orders over a certain amount, so ask about minimum order requirements. If you need to understand how much fill dirt you need for your specific project, you can use our helpful calculator tool.

Pro Tip: Always get quotes from at least three suppliers to compare total costs including delivery, as base prices can vary significantly even within the same area.

Smart ways to save on fill dirt purchases

You can reduce your fill dirt costs through strategic planning and smart shopping approaches.

Buying in bulk often triggers volume discounts. Many suppliers offer reduced rates for orders over 15-20 cubic yards, so consider coordinating with neighbors or planning future projects together. Some companies provide 10-15% discounts for larger orders. If you’re planning a bigger project, check out how much 20 cubic yards of fill dirt costs to compare pricing.

Timing your purchase during off-peak seasons can yield substantial savings. Late fall through early spring typically offers the best prices when construction activity slows down.

Sourcing locally minimizes transportation costs and supports area businesses. Local quarries and excavation companies often have competitive prices and shorter delivery times than large national suppliers. Learn more about where to buy dirt and what to look for when selecting a supplier.

Free fill dirt sources exist if you’re willing to do the legwork. Construction sites, utility projects, and basement excavations sometimes offer free fill dirt to anyone willing to haul it away. Check with local contractors or browse community bulletin boards for opportunities.

Money-Saving Strategy: Call excavation companies in your area during active digging seasons – they often need places to dispose of excess clean fill dirt at no cost to you.

Planning your fill dirt purchase doesn’t have to break your budget. By understanding the factors that influence pricing and shopping strategically, you can secure quality material at fair prices. Remember to verify the dirt quality matches your project needs, factor in all delivery costs, and consider timing your purchase during slower construction periods for the best deals. You can also use our fill dirt cost calculator to estimate your total project expenses more accurately.

Ready to move forward with your project? Hello Gravel offers competitive pricing on high-quality fill dirt with reliable delivery throughout the country. Our streamlined ordering process eliminates the hassle of calling multiple suppliers, and our experienced team ensures you get exactly what you need for your project’s success.

FAQ

How much does 10 cubic yards of fill dirt cost?

For 10 cubic yards of fill dirt, expect to pay between $80 and $150 for material only, with prices averaging $8 to $15 per cubic yard. Including delivery, the total cost typically ranges from $150 to $300. The final price depends on dirt quality, your location, delivery distance, and seasonal demand.

What’s the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?

Fill dirt is subsoil material stripped of organic matter, making it stable and non-decomposing, perfect for foundations and leveling. Topsoil contains nutrients and organic matter for plant growth. Fill dirt costs $8-15 per cubic yard while topsoil costs $20-40 per cubic yard. Never use fill dirt for gardening without amendments.

How much area does 10 cubic yards of fill dirt cover?

Ten cubic yards of fill dirt covers approximately 1,080 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 540 square feet at 6 inches deep. To calculate coverage for your project: multiply length × width × depth (in feet), then divide by 27 to get cubic yards needed.

When is the best time to buy fill dirt to save money?

Late fall through early spring offers the best fill dirt prices when construction activity slows down. You can save 15-25% compared to peak spring and summer seasons. Also consider buying in bulk with neighbors or timing purchases with local excavation projects for additional savings.