How to Calculate Dirt Yardage for Excavation and Fill Projects
Whether grading a sloping backyard, backfilling a foundation retaining wall, or digging a swimming pool, estimating dirt yardage accurately prevents expensive haul-away surprises.
Dump Truck Hauling Capacities and Weight Limits
| Hauling Vehicle Type | Cubic Yard Capacity | Weight Payload Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Ton Pickup Truck (F-150 / 1500) | 1.0 Cubic Yard | 2,000 lbs (1.0 Ton) |
| One-Ton Heavy Duty Truck (F-350 / 3500) | 2.0 – 2.5 Cubic Yards | 4,000 – 5,000 lbs (2.5 Tons) |
| Single-Axle Dump Truck | 5.0 – 7.0 Cubic Yards | 10,000 – 14,000 lbs (5 – 7 Tons) |
| Tandem-Axle Commercial Dump Truck | 10.0 – 14.0 Cubic Yards | 20,000 – 28,000 lbs (10 – 14 Tons) |
| Tri-Axle Heavy Dump Truck | 15.0 – 18.0 Cubic Yards | 30,000 – 36,000 lbs (15 – 18 Tons) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards of dirt fit in a standard dump truck?
A standard single-axle dump truck typically carries 5 to 7 cubic yards of dirt. A larger tandem-axle dump truck carries 10 to 14 cubic yards, while a commercial tri-axle or semi-end dump can haul 15 to 20 cubic yards.
How do you calculate excavation dirt expansion (soil swell factor)?
When solid compacted earth is dug out or excavated, it loosens and expands in volume by 20% to 30% (known as the swell factor). If you excavate 10 cubic yards of bank compacted soil, you will need to haul away approximately 12 to 13 cubic yards of loose dirt.
How much does a pickup truck bed hold in dirt yardage?
A standard 6.5-foot or 8-foot full-size pickup truck bed has a volume capacity of 1.5 to 2.0 cubic yards, but is weight-limited to approximately 1.0 cubic yard of dirt (2,000 lbs) for standard half-ton trucks (F-150, Silverado 1500) to avoid overloading the suspension.
What is the difference between clean fill dirt and topsoil?
Clean fill dirt is subsoil taken from below the organic layer, containing clay, sand, and small stones with zero organic material. It is ideal for filling deep sinkholes, foundations, and grade leveling because it does not decompose or settle over time. Topsoil contains organic matter and is used for planting.