Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate exact cubic yards for concrete, dirt, gravel, topsoil, and landscaping projects.
You need approximately
Total Cubic Feet
0.00Cubic Feet (ft³)
Metric Volume
0.00Cubic Meters (m³)
Project Area Summary
*Remember to order 5-10% extra material to account for settling, spills, and uneven subgrades.
How to Use the Cubic Yard Calculator
A cubic yard calculator determines volume by multiplying length, width, and depth in feet, then dividing by 27. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. Use this formula to estimate materials like concrete, soil, or gravel for accurate project planning and material ordering.
Select Shape & Dimensions
Choose between a rectangular area for patios and driveways or a circular area for fire pits and tree rings. Measure the length, width, or diameter and enter the values.
Set Depth / Thickness
Input how deep you need the material to be. For a standard concrete patio or sidewalk, 4 inches is the industry standard. For garden topsoil, 2 to 6 inches is common.
Get Your Volume
Review your results in cubic yards. This number is what you will provide to your concrete dispatcher, landscape supply center, or quarry when ordering bulk delivery.
Cubic Yard Coverage Guide
Approximate square footage covered by 1 cubic yard of material at various depths:
| Depth (Inches) | Coverage (Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft |
Real Example Use Cases
Pouring a Concrete Patio
If you are pouring a 10ft by 10ft concrete slab at the standard 4-inch depth, the calculator will show you need 1.23 cubic yards of concrete. Knowing this allows you to quickly decide whether to mix bags yourself or order a ready-mix truck.
Filling Raised Garden Beds
Building raised beds for a vegetable garden? For a bed measuring 8ft long, 4ft wide, and 12 inches deep (1 ft), you'll need exactly 1.19 cubic yards of topsoil or garden mix to fill it properly.
Circular Gravel Fire Pit
For a circular fire pit area measuring 15ft in diameter with a 3-inch base of pea gravel, select the 'Circular Area' tab. The tool indicates you need about 1.64 cubic yards, ensuring a stable, safe fire zone.
Volume & Measurement Facts
27
The exact number of cubic feet contained within one single cubic yard.
46,656
The number of cubic inches that make up a cubic yard (36" x 36" x 36").
~1.5 Tons
The average weight of one cubic yard of typical construction gravel or soil.
45 Bags
Number of standard 80-pound concrete bags needed to yield one cubic yard.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What exactly is a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is a unit of volume measuring 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet deep. It is equal to 27 cubic feet. It is the standard unit of measurement for ordering bulk materials like concrete, soil, fill dirt, gravel, and mulch for any project.
How do I calculate cubic yards manually?
To calculate cubic yards manually, use this standard formula: multiply your area's length, width, and depth in feet to get the total cubic feet. Then, divide that number by 27 to find the total cubic yards. Our calculator automates this math and handles any necessary unit conversion for you.
How many bags of concrete do I need for one cubic yard?
It takes forty-five 80-lb bags of concrete, or sixty 60-lb bags to equal exactly one cubic yard. For a larger project requiring a greater quantity of material—usually more than 1 or 2 cubic yards—ordering ready-mix delivery is often more practical.
How much does a cubic yard weigh?
The weight of a cubic yard depends entirely on the material. A yard of dry soil, fill, or gravel generally weighs between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds (1 to 1.5 tons). A cubic yard of mulch is much lighter, weighing around 400 to 800 pounds.
How do I measure an irregularly shaped area?
The easiest way to calculate the volume of an irregular shape is to break the area down into smaller rough rectangles and circles. Use the calculator to find the cubic yards for each smaller section, then add the total estimate together to determine the final quantity for your order.
Should I order extra material just in case?
Yes, it is universally recommended to add a 5% to 10% buffer to your total volume estimate. Materials can settle, subgrades can be uneven, and having a little extra ensures you achieve consistent coverage across your entire project without needing a second delivery.
How do I convert cubic yards to cubic feet?
To convert cubic yards to cubic feet, simply apply this conversion: multiply the number of cubic yards by 27. Since one cubic yard equals 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet in measurement, the total volume is 27 cubic feet.
Does the depth of the material change the total cubic yards needed?
Yes, the depth or thickness of the material directly affects the overall volume. A larger depth over the same square footage will require a significantly higher quantity of cubic yards of material to achieve the desired coverage.