Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate the volume in cubic yards for various construction projects.
A cubic yard is a measure of volume equal to 27 cubic feet. It is commonly used in construction and landscaping to measure:
- Concrete for foundations and slabs
- Gravel for driveways and paths
- Soil for gardens and landscaping
- Mulch for garden beds
- Sand for construction projects
One cubic yard is equivalent to a cube that measures 3 feet on each side (3 × 3 × 3 = 27 cubic feet).
To calculate cubic yards, follow these steps:
- Measure the length, width, and height/depth in feet
- Multiply these three measurements to get cubic feet
- Divide the result by 27 to convert to cubic yards
For example, an area 10 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 1 foot deep would be: (10 × 10 × 1) ÷ 27 = 3.7 cubic yards
Concrete Projects
- Driveways and parking areas
- Foundation slabs
- Sidewalks and patios
- Retaining walls
Landscaping
- Garden bed preparation
- Mulch application
- Topsoil installation
- Gravel paths and driveways
Construction
- Fill material
- Aggregate base
- Sand for masonry
- Drainage materials
When ordering materials, consider these factors:
- Compaction: Add 10-15% for materials that will be compacted
- Waste Factor: Add 5-10% for spillage and waste
- Settling: Account for material settling over time
- Minimum Orders: Some suppliers have minimum order quantities
Pro Tip:
For critical applications like concrete, it's better to order slightly more than your calculated need to avoid running short during the project.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet).
How much does a cubic yard of material weigh?
The weight varies by material:
- Concrete: ~4,000 lbs
- Gravel: ~2,800 lbs
- Topsoil: ~2,200 lbs
- Mulch: ~1,000 lbs
How much area will a cubic yard cover?
At 1 inch deep, one cubic yard will cover approximately 324 square feet. At 2 inches deep, it will cover 162 square feet, and so on.