Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate cubic yards for concrete, gravel, mulch, soil, and other construction materials. Supports rectangular, circular, and triangular shapes with automatic unit conversion and cost estimation.
How to Calculate Cubic Yards
A cubic yard is a unit of volume equal to a cube measuring 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet (27 cubic feet). It's the standard measurement for bulk materials in construction and landscaping.
- Formula: Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in feet) ÷ 27
- From inches: Convert depth to feet by dividing by 12, then apply formula
- Coverage: 1 cubic yard covers ~324 sq ft at 1" deep, ~108 sq ft at 3" deep
You need approximately 2.47 cubic yards of material. We recommend ordering 2.72 cubic yards (+10%) to account for waste and settling.
Your circular area requires approximately 0.73 cubic yards of material.
Your triangular area requires approximately 0.74 cubic yards of material.
📊 Volume Conversion Reference
| From | To Cubic Yards | Multiply By |
|---|---|---|
| Cubic Feet | Cubic Yards | ÷ 27 |
| Cubic Inches | Cubic Yards | ÷ 46,656 |
| Cubic Meters | Cubic Yards | × 1.308 |
| Liters | Cubic Yards | ÷ 764.55 |
| US Gallons | Cubic Yards | ÷ 201.97 |
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet = 46,656 cubic inches = 0.7646 cubic meters
📖 How to Use This Calculator
Select your shape
Choose "Rectangular" for driveways, patios, and slabs. Use "Circular" for round areas, tree rings, or fire pits. Select "Triangular" for corner areas or wedge shapes.
Enter measurements
Input your length, width (or diameter), and depth. You can use feet, inches, yards, or meters - the calculator converts automatically.
Add price (optional)
Enter the price per cubic yard to get a cost estimate. Typical prices: gravel $35-75, mulch $25-50, concrete $100-150 per cubic yard.
Review results
Get instant results in cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters. The calculator adds 10% extra to account for waste and settling.
📏 What is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard is a unit of volume that represents a cube measuring 3 feet on each side (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft). It equals 27 cubic feet and is the standard measurement for bulk materials in construction and landscaping in the United States.
📌 Key Measurements
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet (3 × 3 × 3)
- 1 cubic yard = 46,656 cubic inches
- 1 cubic yard = 0.7646 cubic meters
- 1 cubic yard = 764.55 liters
- 1 cubic yard ≈ 202 US gallons
Visualizing a Cubic Yard
A cubic yard is roughly the size of a large washing machine or about the amount of material that fits in the bed of a standard pickup truck (slightly mounded). This visualization helps when ordering materials:
Physical Size
3 feet wide × 3 feet deep × 3 feet tall. About the size of a large appliance or half a standard pallet.
Truck Capacity
A standard pickup truck holds 1-2 cubic yards. A dump truck typically holds 10-14 cubic yards.
Concrete Mixer
Standard concrete trucks carry 8-10 cubic yards. Most homeowner projects need 1-5 cubic yards.
Coverage
1 cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1" deep, 162 sq ft at 2" deep, or 108 sq ft at 3" deep.
🔢 How to Calculate Cubic Yards (Formula)
Calculating cubic yards is straightforward once you know the formula. The key is converting all measurements to the same unit (preferably feet) before calculating.
Basic Cubic Yard Formula
Where length, width, and depth are all in feet. Divide by 27 because there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.
If Depth is in Inches
Use 324 as the divisor when depth is in inches and other measurements are in feet.
Step-by-Step Calculation
💡 Example: Concrete Patio
Problem: Calculate cubic yards for a patio 12 ft long × 10 ft wide × 4 inches thick
- Step 1: Convert inches to feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 feet
- Step 2: Calculate cubic feet: 12 × 10 × 0.333 = 40 cubic feet
- Step 3: Convert to cubic yards: 40 ÷ 27 = 1.48 cubic yards
- Step 4: Add 10% extra: 1.48 × 1.10 = 1.63 cubic yards to order
🔵 From Square Feet
If you know the area in square feet:
Cubic Yards = (Sq Ft × Depth in inches) ÷ 324
🟢 Quick Coverage Guide
1 cubic yard covers:
- 324 sq ft at 1" depth
- 162 sq ft at 2" depth
- 108 sq ft at 3" depth
- 81 sq ft at 4" depth
⚖️ Material Weights and Costs Per Cubic Yard
Different materials have vastly different weights and costs per cubic yard. Knowing these helps with transportation planning and budgeting your project.
| Material | Weight per Cubic Yard | Typical Cost per Yard | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | 3,600-4,000 lbs | $100-$150 | Slabs, foundations, driveways |
| Gravel (crushed) | 2,400-2,800 lbs | $35-$75 | Driveways, drainage, base layer |
| Pea Gravel | 2,400-2,600 lbs | $30-$55 | Walkways, patios, landscaping |
| Sand | 2,600-3,000 lbs | $25-$40 | Base material, mixing concrete |
| Topsoil | 2,000-2,400 lbs | $25-$50 | Gardens, lawns, raised beds |
| Fill Dirt | 2,000-2,600 lbs | $10-$30 | Filling holes, grading |
| Mulch | 400-800 lbs | $25-$50 | Garden beds, landscaping |
| Compost | 1,000-1,600 lbs | $30-$60 | Soil amendment, gardens |
| River Rock | 2,400-2,700 lbs | $50-$120 | Decorative landscaping |
| Asphalt | 2,700-3,200 lbs | $100-$200 | Driveways, parking lots |
📌 Weight Considerations
- Pickup trucks: Most can safely haul 1,000-2,000 lbs (about ½ to ¾ cubic yard of gravel)
- Delivery minimum: Most suppliers require minimum 2-5 cubic yard delivery
- Wet materials: Can weigh 20-30% more than dry materials
- Compaction: Materials settle 10-15% after delivery
🏗️ Common Projects and Material Estimates
Here are typical material requirements for common construction and landscaping projects to help you plan:
Concrete Projects
| Project Type | Typical Size | Thickness | Cubic Yards Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sidewalk (4' wide × 50' long) | 200 sq ft | 4" | 2.5 yd³ |
| Patio (12' × 12') | 144 sq ft | 4" | 1.8 yd³ |
| Driveway (20' × 40') | 800 sq ft | 4" | 10 yd³ |
| Foundation footing (100 linear ft) | varies | 12" | 8-12 yd³ |
| Garage floor (20' × 22') | 440 sq ft | 4" | 5.5 yd³ |
Landscaping Projects
| Project Type | Typical Size | Depth | Cubic Yards Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden bed mulch (10' × 20') | 200 sq ft | 3" | 1.9 yd³ |
| Raised bed (4' × 8' × 12") | 32 sq ft | 12" | 1.2 yd³ |
| Gravel walkway (3' × 30') | 90 sq ft | 2" | 0.6 yd³ |
| French drain (50 linear ft) | varies | 12" | 2-3 yd³ |
| Lawn topsoil (1,000 sq ft) | 1,000 sq ft | 2" | 6.2 yd³ |
⚠️ Always Order Extra
We recommend ordering 5-10% extra material for any project to account for:
- Spillage and waste during installation
- Settling and compaction of materials
- Uneven ground or measurement errors
- Areas that may need slightly more depth
🌿 Mulch Calculator: How Much Mulch Do I Need?
Mulch is typically applied 2-4 inches deep around plants, trees, and in garden beds. Here's how to calculate exactly how much mulch you need in cubic yards:
Mulch Coverage Formula
Or use our calculator above by entering your garden bed dimensions.
Recommended Mulch Depths
Flower Beds: 2-3"
Use 2" for annual flowers, 3" for perennials. Thinner layers prevent stem rot.
Tree Rings: 3-4"
Keep mulch 3-6" away from tree trunks to prevent rot. Extend to drip line.
Pathways: 3-4"
Thicker mulch on paths provides cushioning and stays in place longer.
General Landscaping: 3"
3 inches is ideal for weed control and moisture retention in most beds.
Mulch Coverage Chart
| Cubic Yards | 2" Deep Coverage | 3" Deep Coverage | 4" Deep Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 yd³ | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
| 2 yd³ | 324 sq ft | 216 sq ft | 162 sq ft |
| 3 yd³ | 486 sq ft | 324 sq ft | 243 sq ft |
| 5 yd³ | 810 sq ft | 540 sq ft | 405 sq ft |
| 10 yd³ | 1,620 sq ft | 1,080 sq ft | 810 sq ft |
💡 Bagged vs. Bulk Mulch
- 2 cubic foot bags: ~13.5 bags = 1 cubic yard
- 3 cubic foot bags: ~9 bags = 1 cubic yard
- Bulk delivery: Usually cheaper for 2+ cubic yards
- Break-even point: Bulk is typically cheaper at 3+ cubic yards
🪨 Gravel Calculator: Types and Coverage
Gravel is one of the most versatile construction materials. Different types of gravel have different uses, weights, and costs. Here's what you need to know:
🔹 Pea Gravel
- Size: ¼" to ⅜" diameter
- Weight: ~2,500 lbs/yd³
- Cost: $30-55/yd³
- Uses: Walkways, patios, drainage
- Depth: 2-3" recommended
🔹 Crushed Stone
- Size: ¾" to 1" diameter
- Weight: ~2,700 lbs/yd³
- Cost: $35-75/yd³
- Uses: Driveways, base layer
- Depth: 4-6" for driveways
Gravel Types Comparison
| Gravel Type | Size | Best For | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | ¼" - ⅜" | Pathways, patios, playgrounds | 2-3 inches |
| Crushed Stone #57 | ¾" - 1" | Driveways, drainage | 4-6 inches |
| River Rock | 1" - 3" | Decorative, erosion control | 2-4 inches |
| Crusher Run | Dust to ¾" | Base layer, compaction | 4-8 inches |
| Marble Chips | ½" - 1" | Decorative landscaping | 2-3 inches |
| Decomposed Granite | ⅛" - ¼" | Pathways, natural look | 2-4 inches |
📌 Gravel Driveway Guide
A typical gravel driveway has three layers:
- Base layer: 4-6" of crusher run (compacts well)
- Middle layer: 2-3" of crushed stone #57
- Top layer: 2-3" of pea gravel or decorative stone
Total depth: 8-12 inches for vehicle traffic.
🧱 Concrete Calculator: Slabs, Footings & More
Concrete is ordered and delivered by the cubic yard. Getting the right amount is critical—too little means a second delivery ($$$), too much means waste. Here's how to calculate accurately:
Concrete Slab Formula
Standard slab thickness is 4 inches for patios and sidewalks, 5-6 inches for driveways.
Concrete Thickness Guidelines
Sidewalks: 4"
Standard 4" thickness for pedestrian traffic. Use fiber reinforcement.
Patios: 4"
4" for standard patios. Consider 5" if placing heavy items like hot tubs.
Driveways: 5-6"
5" minimum for cars, 6" for heavier vehicles. Reinforce with rebar or mesh.
Garage Floors: 4-6"
4" for residential, 6" for workshop or heavy equipment storage.
💡 Example: Driveway Calculation
Problem: Calculate concrete for a 20' × 40' driveway, 5" thick
- Step 1: Area = 20 × 40 = 800 square feet
- Step 2: Volume = (800 × 5) ÷ 324 = 12.35 cubic yards
- Step 3: Add 10% extra = 12.35 × 1.10 = 13.6 cubic yards
- Cost estimate: 13.6 yd³ × $125/yd³ = $1,700 (concrete only)
⚠️ Concrete Tips
- Minimum order: Most concrete plants have 1-3 cubic yard minimums
- Short load fees: Orders under 5-7 yards often incur extra charges ($30-100)
- Timing: Concrete must be poured within 90 minutes of batching
- Weather: Avoid pouring when temps are below 40°F or above 90°F
❌ 6 Common Cubic Yard Calculation Mistakes
Avoid these frequent errors that lead to ordering too much or too little material:
Mixing Up Units
Entering depth in feet when the calculator expects inches (or vice versa). 4 inches is 0.33 feet, not 4 feet!
Forgetting the ÷27
Calculating cubic feet but forgetting to divide by 27. Results will be 27× too high without conversion.
Irregular Shapes
Using rectangular formula for L-shaped or curved areas. Break complex shapes into multiple simple shapes.
Ignoring Compaction
Materials like gravel and soil settle 10-20%. Order extra to achieve desired final depth.
No Waste Factor
Not adding 5-10% extra for spillage, uneven ground, and installation waste.
Measurement Errors
Measuring once without double-checking. Always measure twice and from multiple points.
🔄 Cubic Yard Conversion Guide
Quick reference for converting between common volume units used in construction:
| To Convert | To | Multiply By | Or Divide By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cubic Feet | Cubic Yards | 0.037 | 27 |
| Cubic Yards | Cubic Feet | 27 | 0.037 |
| Cubic Inches | Cubic Yards | 0.0000214 | 46,656 |
| Cubic Meters | Cubic Yards | 1.308 | 0.765 |
| Cubic Yards | Cubic Meters | 0.765 | 1.308 |
| Liters | Cubic Yards | 0.00131 | 764.55 |
| US Gallons | Cubic Yards | 0.00495 | 201.97 |
Common Equivalents
📌 1 Cubic Yard Equals:
- 27 cubic feet (3 × 3 × 3)
- 46,656 cubic inches (36 × 36 × 36)
- 0.7646 cubic meters
- 764.55 liters
- 201.97 US gallons
- 168.18 UK gallons
✅ Expert Review and Sources
This calculator and accompanying content have been developed based on industry-standard construction and landscaping practices. Our calculation methods align with those used by professional contractors, concrete suppliers, and landscape architects.
Methodology
- Volume formulas based on standard geometric principles
- Material weights referenced from supplier specifications and ASTM standards
- Cost estimates updated regularly based on national averages
- Coverage recommendations per industry best practices
Accuracy
Calculations use JavaScript floating-point arithmetic with results rounded to appropriate decimal places. For large commercial projects, always verify calculations with your material supplier.
This tool is designed for estimation purposes. Actual material requirements may vary based on ground conditions, material type, and installation methods.
📚 Sources and References
- Concrete Network - Industry Standards
- National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
- ASTM International Standards
- HomeAdvisor - National Cost Averages
- Landscape Architecture Foundation Guidelines
❓ People Also Ask
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. This is because a yard equals 3 feet in length, and 3 × 3 × 3 = 27. To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, divide by 27. To convert cubic yards to cubic feet, multiply by 27.
How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?
A cubic yard of concrete typically weighs between 3,600 and 4,000 pounds (about 2 tons). The exact weight depends on the mix design, with heavier aggregates increasing the weight. Ready-mix concrete averages about 3,900 lbs per cubic yard.
How many wheelbarrow loads in a cubic yard?
A standard 3 cubic foot wheelbarrow requires about 9 trips to move one cubic yard. A larger 6 cubic foot contractor wheelbarrow needs about 4-5 trips. This is important when planning manual material transport.
How much area does 1 cubic yard of mulch cover?
One cubic yard of mulch covers approximately 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 81 square feet at 4 inches deep. Most garden beds need 3-4 inches of mulch.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
A typical residential driveway (20' × 40') with 6" of gravel needs about 15 cubic yards. For a single-car driveway (10' × 20') at 4" depth, you'd need about 2.5 cubic yards. Always add 10% extra for settling.
What's the difference between a cubic yard and a ton?
A cubic yard measures volume (space occupied), while a ton measures weight. The conversion depends on material density. One cubic yard of gravel weighs about 1.4 tons, while one cubic yard of mulch weighs only 0.25-0.4 tons.
📋 Frequently Asked Questions
Break the irregular shape into smaller, regular shapes (rectangles, triangles, circles). Calculate each section separately, then add the results together. For very complex shapes, use the largest rectangle that fits, then add extra material for the remaining areas.
Yes, always order 5-10% extra material. Add 5% for simple, flat areas with accurate measurements. Add 10% for uneven ground, complex shapes, or materials that compact significantly (like gravel). For concrete, 10% extra is standard as it's better to have too much than too little.
For standard 80-lb bags of concrete mix: approximately 45 bags = 1 cubic yard. For 60-lb bags: about 60 bags = 1 cubic yard. For 40-lb bags: about 90 bags = 1 cubic yard. For projects over 1 cubic yard, ready-mix delivery is usually more economical.
Most concrete suppliers have a minimum of 1-3 cubic yards per delivery. Orders under the "full load" amount (typically 7-10 yards) may incur a "short load" fee of $30-100. For small projects under 1 yard, bagged concrete is often more practical.
Multiply cubic yards by the material's density factor. Common conversions: Gravel: 1 yd³ ≈ 1.4 tons. Sand: 1 yd³ ≈ 1.3 tons. Topsoil: 1 yd³ ≈ 1.1 tons. Mulch: 1 yd³ ≈ 0.25-0.4 tons. Concrete: 1 yd³ ≈ 2 tons.
Minimum recommended thicknesses: Sidewalks: 4 inches. Patios: 4 inches. Driveways: 5-6 inches (4" minimum). Garage floors: 4-6 inches. Foundations: 6-8 inches. Always use reinforcement (rebar or mesh) for driveways and high-traffic areas.
Yes! Our calculator supports both imperial and metric units. Select meters or centimeters from the dropdown menus. Results will still show in cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters so you can use whichever is most convenient for your supplier.
Delivery fees vary by location and quantity. Typical ranges: Local delivery (under 10 miles): $50-100. Extended distance: $5-10 per additional mile. Concrete trucks: Often include delivery in per-yard pricing. Bulk materials: Many suppliers offer free delivery over certain quantities (typically 5+ cubic yards).
For sloped areas, measure the depth at multiple points (minimum 4: each corner). Add all measurements and divide by the number of measurements to get the average depth. Use this average in your calculation. For significant slopes, consider breaking the area into sections.
A proper gravel driveway should be 8-12 inches deep total, applied in layers: Base layer: 4-6" of crusher run or #3 stone. Middle layer: 2-3" of #57 crushed stone. Top layer: 2-3" of finishing gravel (pea gravel or #8 stone). Each layer should be compacted before adding the next.