Cubic Yards Calculator
Calculate cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters for any shape. Perfect for concrete, mulch, gravel, soil, and landscaping projects with optional cost calculator.
Cubic Yards Calculator
Enter area or dimensions:
Optional Cost Calculation
Solution:
Select a shape, enter dimensions, and click Calculate to see the step-by-step solution
What is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard (abbreviated as yd³ or cu yd) is a unit of volume measurement in the imperial system. One cubic yard equals the volume of a cube with edges that are exactly one yard (3 feet) in length. This measurement is widely used in construction, landscaping, and material delivery industries throughout the United States.
Understanding cubic yards is essential when ordering materials such as concrete, mulch, gravel, topsoil, sand, or crushed stone. These materials are typically sold and delivered by the cubic yard, making it crucial to accurately calculate the volume you need for your project to avoid ordering too little or too much.
Key Conversions:
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft)
- 1 cubic yard = 0.764555 cubic meters
- 1 cubic yard = 46,656 cubic inches
- 1 cubic yard = 201.974 gallons (US liquid)
How to Calculate Cubic Yards
The basic formula for calculating cubic yards depends on the shape of the area you're measuring:
Rectangle/Square
Volume = Length × Width × Depth
All measurements must be in yards, or convert the result by dividing by 27 if using feet.
Circle
Volume = π × Radius² × Depth
π (pi) ≈ 3.14159. Radius is half the diameter of the circle.
Triangle
Volume = (Base × Height ÷ 2) × Depth
Base and height form a right angle. Depth is the thickness or height of the material.
Trapezoid
Volume = [(Top + Bottom) ÷ 2] × Height × Depth
Top and bottom are the parallel sides. Height is the perpendicular distance between them.
Common Applications and Materials
Concrete Projects
- • Driveways and parking areas
- • Foundations and footings
- • Patios and walkways
- • Slabs and floors
- • Steps and stairs
- • Retaining walls
Typical coverage:
1 yd³ concrete covers ~81 sq ft at 4" depth
Mulch & Landscaping
- • Garden beds and borders
- • Tree rings and plantings
- • Playground surfaces
- • Pathways and trails
- • Erosion control
- • Decorative landscaping
Typical coverage:
1 yd³ mulch covers ~108 sq ft at 3" depth
Gravel & Stone
- • Driveway base and surface
- • Drainage systems
- • French drains
- • Decorative rock beds
- • Pathway bases
- • Foundation drainage
Typical coverage:
1 yd³ gravel covers ~100 sq ft at 3" depth
Soil & Topsoil
- • Lawn installation and repair
- • Raised garden beds
- • Grading and leveling
- • Filling low spots
- • Vegetable gardens
- • Landscape renovation
Typical coverage:
1 yd³ topsoil covers ~100 sq ft at 3" depth
Material Weight Reference
| Material | Weight per Cubic Yard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete (mixed) | ~4,000 lbs (2 tons) | Varies by mix and aggregate |
| Topsoil (dry) | ~2,000 lbs (1 ton) | Moisture content affects weight |
| Topsoil (wet) | ~3,000 lbs (1.5 tons) | Significantly heavier when saturated |
| Mulch (bark) | ~400-800 lbs | Very light, depends on type and moisture |
| Gravel (crushed stone) | ~2,700 lbs (1.35 tons) | Depends on stone type and size |
| Sand (dry) | ~2,700 lbs (1.35 tons) | Wet sand weighs more |
| Compost | ~1,000-1,600 lbs | Varies widely by composition |
| River rock | ~2,800 lbs (1.4 tons) | Smooth decorative stone |
Tips for Ordering Materials
Add 10-15% Extra
Always order 10-15% more material than calculated to account for waste, spillage, settling, and irregular shapes.
Measure Accurately
Use a tape measure and measure multiple times. Round up to the nearest inch for consistency.
Consider Depth Requirements
Concrete: 4" minimum for driveways. Mulch: 2-4" for garden beds. Gravel: 4-6" for driveways.
Plan Delivery Access
Ensure delivery trucks can access your site. Most trucks need 10-12 feet of clearance.
Check Load Limits
Know your truck or trailer's weight capacity. A cubic yard of concrete weighs about 4,000 lbs!
Get Multiple Quotes
Prices vary significantly between suppliers. Compare delivered cost per cubic yard from multiple vendors.
Consider Bulk Discounts
Larger orders often receive better per-yard pricing. Coordinate with neighbors if possible.
Prepare the Site
Clear the area and have tools ready before delivery. Materials settle and compact over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many wheelbarrows are in a cubic yard?
A standard contractor's wheelbarrow holds about 6 cubic feet when level full. Since there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, one cubic yard equals approximately 4.5 wheelbarrow loads. However, this can vary based on wheelbarrow size and how full you load it. Plan for 5-6 trips per cubic yard for easier handling.
How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?
To convert square feet to cubic yards, you need to know the depth (thickness) of the material. First, convert depth to feet (e.g., 4 inches = 4/12 = 0.333 feet). Then multiply: square feet × depth in feet = cubic feet. Finally, divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. Example: 300 sq ft × 0.333 ft depth = 100 cu ft ÷ 27 = 3.7 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of concrete cost?
Concrete prices vary by location, type, and supplier but typically range from $120 to $150 per cubic yard for standard ready-mix concrete delivered. Specialty mixes (high-strength, fiber-reinforced, or colored concrete) can cost $150-$200+ per cubic yard. Always get quotes from multiple suppliers and factor in delivery fees, which usually apply to orders under a minimum quantity (often 10 yards).
What's the difference between a cubic yard and a square yard?
A square yard is a unit of area (length × width) measuring 9 square feet (3 ft × 3 ft), while a cubic yard is a unit of volume (length × width × depth) measuring 27 cubic feet (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft). Square yards measure flat surfaces like carpet or sod, while cubic yards measure three-dimensional quantities like concrete, mulch, or gravel.
How deep should mulch be applied?
For garden beds and landscaping, mulch should be applied 2-4 inches deep. A 2-inch layer provides basic weed suppression and moisture retention, while 3-4 inches is ideal for better insulation and longer-lasting coverage. Avoid depths over 4 inches as this can suffocate plant roots and prevent water from reaching the soil. Refresh mulch annually as it decomposes.
Can I pick up a cubic yard of material myself?
It depends on the material and your vehicle. A cubic yard of mulch (400-800 lbs) can usually fit in a pickup truck, but a cubic yard of gravel (2,700 lbs) or concrete (4,000 lbs) requires a heavy-duty truck or trailer and may exceed your vehicle's payload capacity. Most suppliers offer delivery, which is often more practical for heavy materials and ensures the proper amount is delivered.
What is a "ton" of gravel in cubic yards?
One ton (2,000 lbs) of gravel is approximately 0.74 cubic yards, or about 20 cubic feet. However, this conversion depends on the type and density of the gravel. Crushed stone, pea gravel, and river rock have different weights per cubic yard. Most crushed stone weighs about 2,700 lbs per cubic yard, so 1 ton = about 0.74 yards, while 1 cubic yard = about 1.35 tons.
How many cubic yards do I need for a driveway?
For a concrete driveway, use a minimum 4-inch depth. Calculate: measure length × width in feet, multiply by 0.333 (4 inches in feet), then divide by 27. For example, a 20 ft × 40 ft driveway: 20 × 40 × 0.333 = 266.4 cu ft ÷ 27 = 9.9 cubic yards. For a gravel driveway, use 4-6 inches depth for the base layer. Always order 10-15% extra.
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