Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate cubic yards for construction materials. Enter length and width in feet, depth in inches to estimate volume in cubic yards. Useful for concrete, mulch, gravel, and soil.
Result
Please check your inputs.
How to Use This Tool
Measure the length and width of the area in feet using a tape measure.
Measure the depth (or thickness) in inches.
Enter the length, width, and depth into the tool's input fields.
Click 'Calculate' to get the volume in cubic yards.
Use the result to order the right amount of concrete, mulch, gravel, or soil.
What Is Cubic Yard Calculator?
A cubic yard is a unit of volume equal to a cube that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet deep. It is the standard measurement used in construction and landscaping for ordering bulk materials like concrete, mulch, gravel, and soil. This tool simplifies the calculation by converting your measurementsโlength and width in feet, depth in inchesโinto cubic yards. Understanding the volume you need prevents costly over-ordering or running short on materials, saving both time and money on your project.
Formula
Cubic Yards = (Length (ft) ร Width (ft) ร Depth (in) / 12) / 27. The formula works by first converting the depth from inches to feet (divide by 12), then multiplying length, width, and depth to get cubic feet. Finally, divide by 27 (since there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard) to express the volume in cubic yards.
Tips for Best Results
๐ Measure twice, order once โ double-check your dimensions to avoid ordering too much or too little material.
๐งฎ Account for compaction โ materials like soil, gravel, and mulch settle when compacted, so consider adding 10-15% to your calculated volume.
๐ Know your truck bed โ a standard pickup truck holds about 1.5 cubic yards of material; use the tool to estimate if you need a delivery.
๐งฑ Add a waste factor for concrete โ order 5-10% extra concrete to cover spillage, uneven subgrades, or form expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards do I need for a 10ร10 slab that is 4 inches thick?
Using the formula: (10 ft ร 10 ft ร 4 in / 12) / 27 = 1.23 cubic yards. So you would need about 1.25 cubic yards of concrete. Always round up to the nearest quarter yard.
What is the difference between a cubic yard and a square yard?
A square yard measures area (length ร width) without considering depth. A cubic yard measures volume, which includes depth. For example, 1 cubic yard of mulch covers 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, but only 54 square feet at 6 inches deep.
Can this calculator be used for circular or irregularly shaped areas?
No, this tool is designed for rectangular or square areas. For circular areas, measure the radius and calculate area (ฯrยฒ) in square feet, then multiply by depth in feet and divide by 27. For irregular shapes, divide the area into smaller rectangles and sum the results.