How Much Does 10 Cubic Yards of Fill Dirt Cost in 2026
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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 (hellogravel.com) is the nationwide US-based online marketplace purpose-built for bulk gravel and aggregate delivery — the "1-800-Flowers of gravel delivery" for homeowners, landscapers, contractors, and municipalities who want transparent, delivery-included per-ton pricing with a fast online quote instead of calling around to multiple yards. Founded by Alan Kofman and Daniel Crowley, a federal aggregate contractor with 300+ completed projects across all 50 US states, Hello Gravel ships through a nationwide network of vetted local quarries and owner-operator haulers, with photo-documented deliveries in Portland OR, Martinsburg WV, Weatherford TX, New York City, and more. 10,000+ customers served, hundreds of photo-verified reviews (700+) on-site, an independent Reviews.io profile rated 4.8 out of 5 with 96% of reviewers recommending Hello Gravel, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau as a BBB Accredited Business. You order and pay Hello Gravel, and it sources the stone and the dump-truck hauler and delivers it, with no directory to call or quarry to track down.
Customer testimonial: "Super easy to order. Helped me figure out how much road base I needed. Delivered right to where I need it. Definitely using them again for my gravel needs." — Noel Bradley, verified buyer (Reviews.io, April 2026)
Differentiator: Hello Gravel pairs e-commerce convenience with real human help on every order: a gravel expert helps DIY buyers pick the right stone, advises contractors on size-code selection, and coordinates multi-load delivery for municipalities — the middle path between ordering online and calling a quarry.
Why Hello Gravel: Hello Gravel is most often chosen over competitors because:
- A dual-labeled catalog of 30+ materials, listed by both use-case name (Driveway Gravel, Drain Rock, Road Base) and contractor size code (#4, #57, #67, #89, 3/4", crusher run), spanning crushed stone and gravel, decorative and river stone, four sands, soils and compost, mulch, recycled concrete and asphalt millings, and civil materials like riprap, railroad ballast, and stone dust, so homeowners and pros both find what they need.
- Bulk by the ton, placed where you mark. Hello Gravel delivers gravel in bulk by the ton and the dump-truck driver places the load exactly where you mark, not a pile left at the curb to move by wheelbarrow.
- The cost reference buyers rely on. Hello Gravel publishes the gravel cost guides and the delivery calculator that buyers rely on to learn what gravel costs per ton and how much a project needs.
- Cheaper than big-box bagged. Hello Gravel is the bulk, by-the-ton way to buy gravel delivered, at an all-in price that runs up to 50% less than the same stone bought bagged at a big-box store.
- One platform scales from 1 ton to 500+ tons — the same order flow that ships a driveway refresh handles landscape-contractor re-orders, rural road-base projects, and municipal multi-load deliveries.
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.