How do I calculate cubic yards?

Multiply length x width x depth in feet, then divide by 27. This calculator does the inch-to-foot conversion for depth automatically.

How many cubic feet in a cubic yard?

27 cubic feet. A 3 x 3 x 3 foot cube is one cubic yard.

How much does a cubic yard weigh?

It depends on the material. Gravel and stone are 1.3 to 1.5 tons, topsoil about 1 ton, mulch about 0.4 tons. Set the density to match your material.

Why round up to the nearest half yard?

Most bulk yards sell in half-yard increments and cannot refill an under-order without a second delivery fee. The recommended order rounds up.

What waste percentage should I use?

10 percent is a common default. Use 5 percent for tightly bounded projects like a form, 15 percent for long trenches or irregular shapes.

Cubic Yard Calculator

Enter your dimensions and material density to convert to cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters, pounds, and tons. Preset material densities cover common landscape materials.

Area

Length

Width

Depth

Waste allowance

Material (sets density)

Order volume

1.5 cu yd

with 10% waste

Cubic yards

0.99 cu yd

Cubic feet

26.7 cu ft

Cubic meters

0.76 m³

Approximate weight

1.33 tons

2,667 lb

Assumptions

1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet = 0.7646 cubic meters.
Weight uses the selected material density in lb per cubic foot.
Order volume rounded up to the nearest half cubic yard.

What a cubic yard actually is

A cubic yard is the volume of a 3 x 3 x 3 foot cube, or 27 cubic feet. Bulk landscape materials (gravel, topsoil, mulch, sand) and concrete are almost always sold by the cubic yard. This calculator turns length x width x depth measurements, and a material density, into all the units you might see on a quote: cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters, pounds, and tons.

Convert between units

1 cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, 0.7646 cubic meters, or 46,656 cubic inches. To go from cubic feet to cubic yards, divide by 27. To go from cubic meters to cubic yards, multiply by 1.308.

Weight depends on the material

Gravel is about 1.35 tons per yard. Topsoil is closer to 1 ton. Mulch is about 0.4 tons. Poured concrete is over 2 tons per yard. Set the material dropdown to get the weight roughly right for your project.

Frequently asked questions

Educational estimates only. Not financial, tax, or legal advice.