Fill Calculator
Estimate the volume of imported fill and the number of truck loads needed to raise a site to level.
Fill Calculator
Estimate imported fill volume and truck loads to raise a site to level.
Estimating Imported Fill
Where a site sits lower than the level needed for a slab, driveway or landscaped area, fill needs to be imported and compacted to bring it up to the required height. Volume is calculated as area (m²) × fill depth (m), converted to tonnage using a typical compacted fill density of 1.8 tonnes per cubic metre, and then to 12 m³ truck loads, a common size for delivering clean fill.
What Information You Need To Enter
Enter the area you need to raise in square metres and the fill depth in millimetres.
Understanding Your Results
You will see the fill volume required, approximate tonnage, and the number of 12 m³ truck loads needed. If you are working out whether your site needs a cut or fill in the first place, our Site Cut Calculator compares your existing ground level against your finished floor level to determine this.
Why Accurate Estimating Matters
Imported fill is priced and delivered by the load, so an accurate estimate helps you budget correctly and schedule the right number of deliveries rather than discovering a shortfall partway through levelling your site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of fill should I use?
Clean, engineered fill suited to your application is generally recommended, especially where the fill will support a structure. Your builder or supplier can advise on the right fill type for your project.
Does fill need to be compacted?
Yes, fill is typically placed and compacted in layers to achieve proper density and avoid future settling, particularly important where the fill will support a slab or driveway.
How is this different from the Site Cut Calculator?
The Site Cut Calculator compares your existing ground level to your finished floor level to determine whether you need a cut or fill in the first place. This Fill Calculator estimates volume and truck loads once you already know you need to import fill and by how much.
Why is fill density different from soil bulking?
Imported fill is placed and compacted to a target density, whereas excavated soil bulks up (becomes less dense) once dug from the ground. These are different processes, which is why this calculator uses a compaction-based density rather than a bulking allowance.
How many truck loads will I need?
This calculator estimates loads based on a standard 12 cubic metre delivery truck. Actual truck size may vary depending on your supplier and site access.
Related Calculators & Services
Need An Exact Price, Not Just An Estimate?
The Fill Calculator gives you a fast, useful planning figure. For a fixed, accurate price backed by a site assessment, request a free professional quotation from HPL Construction.
