Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate volume in cubic yards for construction materials, landscaping, and excavation projects
Calculate Cubic Yards
Choose the shape that best matches your project
Select material to get weight estimates and coverage information
Enter material price to calculate total cost
Volume Results
Conversion: 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet = 46,656 cubic inches = 0.764 cubic meters
Shape: Rectangle
Volume: 0.00 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 0.00 cubic yards
Material Recommendations
Practical Examples
Concrete Patio Project
Project: Rectangular concrete patio
Dimensions: 20 ft × 12 ft × 4 inches deep
Calculation: 20 × 12 × 0.33 = 79.2 cubic feet
Result: 79.2 ÷ 27 = 2.93 cubic yards
Weight: ~11,900 lbs (5.95 tons)
Cost estimate: $351 at $120/cu yd
Garden Mulch Coverage
Project: Flower bed mulching
Area: 500 square feet at 2 inches deep
Method: Known area + depth calculation
Result: 3.1 cubic yards of mulch needed
Weight: ~2,500 lbs (1.25 tons)
Coverage: 496 sq ft at 2" depth
Excavation Volume
Project: Swimming pool excavation
Shape: Elliptical pool (25 ft × 15 ft × 8 ft deep)
Calculation: π × 12.5 × 7.5 × 8 = 2,356 cubic feet
Result: 87.3 cubic yards of soil to remove
Disposal cost: $1,746 at $20/cu yd
Driveway Gravel Base
Project: Gravel base for 100 ft driveway
Dimensions: 100 ft × 12 ft × 4 inches
Calculation: 100 × 12 × 0.33 = 400 cubic feet
Result: 14.8 cubic yards of gravel
Weight: ~40,000 lbs (20 tons)
Coverage: 1,480 sq ft at 3" depth
Material Coverage Guide
at 4" depth per cubic yard (~4,050 lbs)
at 2" depth per cubic yard (~800 lbs)
at 3" depth per cubic yard (~2,700 lbs)
at 4" depth per cubic yard (~2,000 lbs)
at 3" depth per cubic yard (~2,700 lbs)
at 3" depth per cubic yard (~2,700 lbs)
at 3" depth per cubic yard (~2,800 lbs)
at 3" depth per cubic yard (~1,000 lbs)
at 2" depth per cubic yard (~600 lbs)
Volume Conversions
- • Rectangle: L × W × H
- • Circle: π × r² × H
- • Ellipse: π × a × b × H
- • Triangle: ½ × L × W × H
- • Trapezoid: ½ × (a + b) × L × H
- • Sphere: (4/3) × π × r³
- • Pyramid: (1/3) × L × W × H
- • Cone: (1/3) × π × r² × H
Project Tips
Always add 10-15% extra for waste and compaction
Measure twice, order once to avoid shortages
Consider delivery fees for small orders
Check local building codes for depth requirements
Plan for proper drainage and base preparation
Understanding Cubic Yards & Volume Calculations
What is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard is a unit of volume measurement equal to a cube with sides of 1 yard (3 feet) each. It's commonly used in construction and landscaping to measure materials like concrete, gravel, soil, mulch, and sand. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet.
Square Feet to Cubic Yards
To convert from square feet to cubic yards, you need to know the depth or thickness. The formula is: Area (sq ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
Quick Conversion Formula
Square Feet ÷ (324 ÷ Depth in inches) = Cubic Yards
Example: 1,000 sq ft at 4" deep = 1,000 ÷ 81 = 12.35 cubic yards
Material Calculations
Different materials have different weights and coverage rates. Our calculator includes weight estimates for 10 common materials, helping you plan for delivery and handling requirements.
Shape Support
Basic Shapes
Rectangle, Circle, Triangle, Trapezoid, Octagon
3D Shapes
Sphere, Hemisphere, Cylinder, Pyramid, Cone
Advanced
Ellipse (oval), Known area + depth
Planning Tips
- • Always add 10-15% extra for waste
- • Consider compaction for loose materials
- • Check delivery minimums and fees
- • Plan access routes for delivery trucks
Common Depths
- • Mulch: 2-3 inches
- • Concrete slabs: 4-6 inches
- • Gravel base: 3-4 inches
- • Topsoil: 4-6 inches
Weight Considerations
- • Concrete: ~2 tons per cubic yard
- • Gravel: ~1.3 tons per cubic yard
- • Topsoil: ~1 ton per cubic yard
- • Mulch: ~0.4 tons per cubic yard