Soil Compaction Calculator
Estimate loose soil needed to achieve a compacted fill depth, including volume reduction, waste, bulk density, delivery loads and material cost.
Default project preview
23.7 yd³
Finished compacted volume
18.5 yd³
Loose volume before waste
22.6 yd³
Estimated loose weight
26.1 US tons
Delivery loads
2
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Input and output guide
What each value means
The labels and units below are part of this calculator’s visible methodology. Replace every default with measurements or product data from the actual project.
Fill length
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 50 ft.
Fill width
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 20 ft.
Finished compacted depth
Enter this project assumption in in. The current imperial default is 6 in.
Volume reduction during compaction
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 18 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 60.
Grading and handling allowance
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 5 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 50.
Loose soil density
Enter this project assumption in US tons/yd³. The current imperial default is 1.1 US tons/yd³.
Delivery capacity
Enter this project assumption in yd³. The current imperial default is 12 yd³.
Price per loose volume unit
Enter this project assumption in per yd³. The current imperial default is 28 per yd³. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Finished compacted volume
target in-place fill. Default preview: 18.5 yd³.
Loose volume before waste
18% volume reduction. Default preview: 22.6 yd³.
Estimated loose weight
order volume × entered density. Default preview: 26.1 US tons.
Delivery loads
12 yd³ each. Default preview: 2.
Material allowance
order volume × entered unit price. Default preview: $663.96.
Handling allowance
grading, trimming and loss. Default preview: 5%.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Finished volume = area × compacted depth. Loose volume = finished volume ÷ (1 − volume-reduction fraction). The handling allowance is then added, and deliveries are rounded up.
Reviewed project guidance
How to use this estimate in a real project
Last reviewed: August 19, 2026
Estimate loose fill required to achieve a target compacted depth by reversing the expected volume reduction, then add handling allowance, truckloads and material cost.
Calculation steps
- 1Calculate finished compacted volume from area and target compacted depth.
- 2Divide by one minus the expected compaction volume-reduction fraction to estimate loose volume.
- 3Add only handling/grading allowance after the compaction conversion.
- 4Use loose density for weight and round delivery quantity to whole truck capacities.
Worked numerical example
A 50 ft × 20 ft area compacted to 6 in contains about 18.5 yd³ finished volume. With 18% volume reduction, roughly 22.6 yd³ of loose soil is needed before the 5% handling allowance, or about 23.7 yd³ to order.
Purchasing and rounding
Obtain the actual compacted-density/moisture requirements and supplier loose density for the specified fill. Delivery capacity may be limited by weight before nominal truck volume.
Interpret the result
Loose volume should exceed finished compacted volume because air voids are reduced during placement. The reduction percentage is material- and moisture-dependent, not a universal soil factor.
Page-specific assumptions
- Fill thickness is reasonably uniform.
- Entered reduction represents the selected material and compaction target.
- Truck capacity is usable for this material.
Common mistakes
- Adding 18% directly instead of reversing an 18% volume reduction.
- Using compacted density to price loose delivered material.
- Ignoring unsuitable or wet soil conditions.
Primary and technical references
BuildMeter provides planning estimates, not engineering, architectural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, permit or code approval. Review the methodology and verify final decisions with product documentation and qualified professionals.
BuildMeter Guides
Understand the measurements and assumptions
Use these visible reference guides before changing project inputs or planning allowances.
FAQ
Soil Compaction Calculator questions
Why divide by one minus the compaction reduction?+
The loose material must start larger so that after the entered percentage of volume reduction it reaches the required finished volume.
Is compaction percentage the same for every soil?+
No. Granular fill, clay, topsoil and mixed material compact differently and require different moisture and equipment.
Does this prove specified compaction?+
No. The calculator estimates quantity only. Specified density must be verified with appropriate field testing.