Cubic Yard Calculator
Use this cubic yard calculator to quickly estimate material volume for construction and landscaping projects. Enter the length, width, and depth to calculate how many cubic yards of gravel, sand, soil, or concrete you may need.
1 cu yd = 27 cu ft = 46,656 cu in · Always order 10% extra for waste and settling · Depth is entered in inches; length and width in feet
How to Calculate Cubic Yards
Cubic yards measure volume — how much 3D space a material occupies. It’s the standard ordering unit for bulk materials: concrete, gravel, topsoil, mulch, fill dirt, and sand. One cubic yard is a cube exactly 3 feet wide × 3 feet long × 3 feet deep = 27 cubic feet.
The Calculation Steps
- Measure the length and width of your area in feet.
- Determine the required depth in inches (depth charts by material are below).
- The calculator converts depth to feet (depth ÷ 12), multiplies all three dimensions, then divides by 27.
- Always add 10% to your final order for waste, settling, and measurement variation.
Cu Yd = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth inches) ÷ 324. The 324 divisor combines both conversions in one step (12 to convert inches to feet, × 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards = 12 × 27 = 324). Example: 10 ft × 8 ft × 4 in ÷ 324 = 0.99 cu yd.
When Is Depth in Feet Instead of Inches?
Some projects specify depth in feet rather than inches — particularly concrete slabs (e.g. “6-inch slab” = 0.5 ft), deep fill operations, and excavations. If your depth is already in feet, the formula simplifies to: Cu Yd = (L × W × D in feet) ÷ 27. The calculator takes depth in inches, so convert feet to inches before entering (multiply by 12).
Worked Examples
Example 1 — Concrete Patio Slab (20×16 ft, 4-inch slab)
1,280 ÷ 324 = 3.95 cu yd
Add 10%: 3.95 × 1.10 = 4.35 → order 4.5 cu yd
Decision: At 4.35 cu yd, this is above most ready-mix minimums. Order ready-mix concrete — not bags (a 4.35 cu yd bag order would require ~195 bags of 80-lb concrete = not practical). Use our Concrete Calculator for the full estimate including rebar.
Example 2 — Topsoil for a Garden Bed (12×8 ft, 6-inch depth)
576 ÷ 324 = 1.78 cu yd
Add 10%: 1.78 × 1.10 = 1.96 → order 2 cu yd topsoil
At ~$35/cu yd delivered: ~$70 for topsoil. At ~$7/40-lb bag covering ~0.5 cu ft: 2 cu yd × 27 = 54 cu ft ÷ 0.5 = 108 bags × $7 = $756 — bags are not practical beyond 0.5 cu yd. Use our Topsoil Calculator.
Example 3 — Gravel Driveway (60×12 ft, 4-inch base)
2,880 ÷ 324 = 8.89 cu yd
Add 10%: 8.89 × 1.10 = 9.78 → order 10 cu yd gravel
Weight check: 10 cu yd × 2,800 lbs = 28,000 lbs. A standard 14-cu yd dump truck can carry this in one load (rated 25,000–30,000 lbs). Confirm your supplier’s truck weight capacity before scheduling delivery. Use our Gravel Calculator.
Example 4 — Mulch for Landscape Beds (Multiple Sections)
Total: 0.74 + 0.83 + 0.83 = 2.40 cu yd
Add 10%: 2.40 × 1.10 = 2.64 → order 3 cu yd mulch
Tip: Calculate each bed separately, then sum. Ordering in a single delivery saves a second delivery fee. Use our Mulch Calculator for bag vs bulk comparison.
Depth Quick-Reference Chart
Standard recommended depths by material and application. Use these as your depth input in the calculator above.
| Material | Application | Recommended Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | Residential patio / sidewalk | 4 inches | IRC 2026 minimum for non-structural residential slabs |
| Concrete | Driveway / garage floor | 5–6 inches | Vehicle load requires greater thickness |
| Gravel / Crushed Stone | Driveway base | 4 inches | Compacted base; add surface layer separately |
| Gravel | Under concrete slab | 4 inches | Compacted gravel base under all slabs |
| Sand | Paver base (bedding layer) | 1 inch | ICPI standard: 1-inch compacted sand bedding |
| Topsoil | New lawn establishment | 4–6 inches | University extension recommendation for grass establishment |
| Topsoil | Garden / vegetable bed | 6–12 inches | Deeper for root vegetables |
| Mulch | Landscape beds | 2–3 inches | Over 4 in can suffocate roots; 3 in is optimal |
| Fill Dirt | Grading / leveling | Varies | Calculate the average depth across the area |
| Pea Gravel | Playground surface | 6–9 inches | CPSC playground safety depth requirement |
Cubic Yard Conversion Reference
Quick reference for converting between cubic yards and other volume units used in construction and landscaping.
| Unit | Equals | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cubic Yard | 27 cubic feet | 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 |
| 1 Cubic Yard | 46,656 cubic inches | 36 in × 36 in × 36 in |
| 1 Cubic Yard | 0.7646 cubic meters | SI unit conversion |
| 1 Cubic Foot | 0.0370 cubic yards | 1 ÷ 27 |
| 1 Cubic Meter | 1.3080 cubic yards | SI unit conversion |
| 1 Cubic Inch | 0.0000214 cubic yards | 1 ÷ 46,656 |
Material Weights & Coverage per Cubic Yard
Use this table to convert between cubic yards and tons when comparing supplier quotes, and to estimate how many square feet one cubic yard covers at a given depth.
| Material | Weight per Cu Yd | Tons per Cu Yd | Coverage at 2" | Coverage at 3" | Coverage at 4" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | ~4,050 lbs | ~2.03 tons | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
| Gravel / Crushed Stone | ~2,800 lbs | ~1.40 tons | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
| Sand | ~2,700 lbs | ~1.35 tons | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
| Pea Gravel | ~2,835 lbs | ~1.42 tons | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
| Topsoil | ~2,200 lbs | ~1.10 tons | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
| Mulch (shredded wood) | ~800 lbs | ~0.40 tons | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
| Fill Dirt | ~2,000 lbs | ~1.00 ton | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
| Compost | ~1,000 lbs | ~0.50 tons | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
Coverage is calculated as: 1 cu yd (27 cu ft) ÷ (depth in inches ÷ 12) = sq ft covered. At any depth, coverage = 324 ÷ depth in inches. Weight values are typical bulk densities for each material; actual weight varies by moisture content and source.
Some bulk material suppliers sell by the ton instead of the cubic yard. The table above lets you estimate the conversion, but actual tonnage varies by material moisture content and compaction. When in doubt, call your supplier with the cubic yard quantity and ask them to convert it to tons based on their specific material — this prevents ordering shortfalls from density variations.
Cubic Yards by Project Type
Typical cubic yard requirements for common residential projects. These are starting estimates — use the calculator above with your exact dimensions for a precise result.
| Project | Typical Cu Yd Range | Key Depth | Material Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 ft concrete patio | 1.2–1.5 cu yd | 4 in | Concrete |
| 20×20 ft concrete patio | 4.9–6.2 cu yd | 4–5 in | Concrete |
| Two-car garage slab (24×24 ft) | 10.7–14.2 cu yd | 5–6 in | Concrete |
| Standard driveway (20×50 ft) | 12.3–18.5 cu yd | 4–6 in | Gravel |
| New lawn (1,000 sq ft, 4-in topsoil) | 12.3 cu yd | 4 in | Topsoil |
| Garden bed (100 sq ft, 6-in depth) | 1.9 cu yd | 6 in | Topsoil |
| Mulch (500 sq ft beds, 3-in depth) | 4.6 cu yd | 3 in | Mulch |
| Playground fill (15×15 ft, 6-in depth) | 4.2 cu yd | 6 in | Pea Gravel |
Common Cubic Yard Calculation Mistakes
Entering Depth in Feet Instead of Inches
This calculator takes depth in inches. If you enter “4” meaning 4 feet of depth instead of 4 inches, the result is 12 times too large (4 feet = 48 inches). For most surface applications — mulch, topsoil, gravel — depth is measured in inches. For deep excavations or fill operations where depth is several feet, convert to inches before entering (multiply feet by 12).
Forgetting the 10% Overage
The calculated volume is the theoretical amount needed for a perfectly level, uniform area. Real projects have uneven subgrades, irregular edges, and measurement imprecision. Always add 10% to your order. Running short on concrete mid-pour creates a cold joint that compromises structural integrity. Running short on topsoil or gravel means a second delivery with an additional delivery fee that typically costs more than the extra material would have.
Using Outer Dimensions for Irregular Areas
For L-shaped, curved, or irregular areas, using the overall bounding dimensions overstates the actual area. Instead, divide the area into rectangles, calculate cubic yards for each section, and sum. The same principle applies to circular features — use our Area Calculator to get the exact square footage first, then divide by (324 ÷ depth in inches) to get cubic yards.
Confusing Cubic Yards with Tons
Gravel and sand suppliers often quote prices per ton, while your project quantity is in cubic yards. Using the wrong conversion factor or assuming all materials weigh the same per cubic yard produces a significant ordering error — mulch is 5 times lighter than gravel per cubic yard. Always use the material-specific weight from the table above and confirm with your supplier before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Calculate
Core Formula
Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × (Depth (in) ÷ 12)
Depth is entered in inches and divided by 12 to convert to feet before multiplying with the length and width. All three dimensions must be in the same unit (feet) for the multiplication to produce cubic feet. The result is then divided by 27 to convert to cubic yards.
Cubic Yards Conversion
Cubic Yards = Volume (cu ft) ÷ 27
One cubic yard = 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet exactly. This is the standard unit used by all bulk material suppliers in the US — concrete, gravel, topsoil, mulch, sand, and fill dirt are all ordered and delivered in cubic yards. Dividing cubic feet by 27 is the only conversion needed once all dimensions are in feet.
The ÷ 324 Shortcut
Cubic Yards = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth in) ÷ 324
This shortcut combines both conversions in one step: 12 (to convert inches to feet) × 27 (to convert cubic feet to cubic yards) = 324. It is mathematically identical to the two-step method and is the formula used in the calculator. It only works correctly when depth is entered in inches — if depth is in feet, divide by 27 directly, not 324.
10% Overage
The calculator displays the raw calculated volume, then automatically shows the 10% overage figure in the result subtitle ("add 10% = X cu yd to order"). The 10% standard is the industry recommendation for all bulk material orders to account for: subgrade irregularity (real excavations are never perfectly flat), measurement imprecision, material settling after delivery, and edge waste at perimeter walls and forms. The overage figure is shown for reference — always add at least 10% before placing an order.
Other Output Units
Cubic Feet = Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12) · Cubic Meters = Cu Yd × 0.7646 · Area (sq ft) = Length × Width
The cubic meters conversion uses the exact SI factor: 1 cubic yard = 0.764554857984 cubic meters (commonly rounded to 0.7646). The area output shows the 2D footprint of the project in square feet — useful for verifying that the dimensions entered match your measured area before ordering.
- Unit Definition — 1 Cubic Yard = 27 Cubic Feet — The cubic yard is defined as 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet = 27 cubic feet. The cubic yard is the standard volume unit for all bulk construction and landscape material ordering in the United States. Referenced for the core formula and all volume conversions throughout this calculator. US customary unit system.
- NRMCA (National Ready Mixed Concrete Association) — Concrete Ordering Standards — Standard ready-mix concrete ordering unit (cubic yards), bag yield values cited for the FAQ answer on bags per cubic yard (60-lb bag = 0.45 cu ft, 80-lb bag = 0.60 cu ft), and the 10% overage recommendation for concrete pours. Referenced in the worked examples, common mistakes section, and FAQ answers. NRMCA, 2026 data.
- IRC 2026 (International Residential Code) — Slab and Driveway Thickness — Minimum concrete slab thickness requirements used in the depth quick-reference chart: 4-inch residential patio and sidewalk minimum, 5–6 inches for driveways and garage floors. Referenced for the depth chart application column. International Code Council, 2026 edition.
- ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) — Paver Base Standards — 1-inch compacted sand bedding layer standard for interlocking concrete pavers referenced in the depth quick-reference chart for the sand/paver base application row. ICPI Installation Guidelines, current edition.
- CPSC (US Consumer Product Safety Commission) — Playground Safety Handbook — 6–9 inch depth requirement for loose-fill playground surfaces (pea gravel, wood chips, engineered wood fiber) referenced in the depth quick-reference chart for the playground application row. CPSC Publication 325, current edition.
Material weight values in the weight and coverage table are typical bulk densities and vary by moisture content, source, and compaction. Always confirm ton-to-cubic-yard conversions with your specific supplier before ordering. ConstructlyTools does not have a paid relationship with any bulk material supplier or contractor mentioned on this page.