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Calculate cubic yards for concrete, soil, gravel, mulch, sand and excavation. Choose a shape, enter dimensions in practical job-site units, and receive supplier-ready quantities and costs.
Cubic-yard symbols and meaning
Cubic yards formulas
The calculator first converts every measurement to feet. It calculates cubic feet and divides by 27 because one cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet.
Visual measurement guide
Measure to the prepared subgrade, not the surrounding finished surface. For irregular projects, divide the area into simple sections and add their calculated volumes.
Worked example: concrete slab
A slab is 20 ft long, 12 ft wide and 4 in thick.
20 × 12 × 0.3333 = 80 ft³
80 ÷ 27 = 2.963 yd³
With 10% allowance: 2.963 × 1.10 = 3.259 yd³
If concrete costs $45 per cubic yard and delivery is $100, the estimate is about $246.67 before tax or short-load fees.
Circular example
A circular pad 12 ft in diameter and 4 in thick requires about 1.396 yd³ net, or 1.536 yd³ with a 10% allowance.
Useful cubic-yard conversions
| 1 cubic yard equals | Value |
|---|---|
| Cubic feet | 27 ft³ |
| Cubic inches | 46,656 in³ |
| Cubic meters | 0.764555 m³ |
| Liters | 764.555 L |
| US gallons | 201.974 gal |
Bulk landscaping materials may be sold by the cubic yard, while bagged products are usually labeled in cubic feet. Divide required cubic feet by the bag volume and always round bags upward.
Material planning guidance
- Concrete: commonly add 5–10% for grade variation and spillage.
- Soil: allow for settlement and confirm whether the supplier quotes loose or compacted volume.
- Gravel: compaction and stone size affect the delivered quantity.
- Mulch: measure the actual bed area and avoid covering plant crowns.
- Excavation: removed soil expands when loosened, so haul-away volume can exceed in-ground volume.
Measurement checklist
- Measure each section separately.
- Use average depth when the base is uneven.
- Subtract large openings only when they will not be filled.
- Confirm truck and minimum-order limits.
- Check whether tax, delivery and short-load fees are included.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in one cubic yard?
There are exactly 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.
How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?
Multiply square feet by depth in feet, then divide the cubic-foot result by 27.
Should concrete be rounded up?
Yes. Ordering slightly more is normally safer than stopping a pour because material runs short.
Does the calculator account for compaction?
Use the allowance field to cover expected compaction, settlement, spillage or uneven grade.
How many truckloads will I need?
The result divides adjusted volume by the truck capacity entered and rounds upward to a whole delivery count.
Common mistakes
- Entering inches as feet.
- Using radius where diameter is requested.
- Dividing square feet by 27 without first applying depth.
- Ignoring compaction or uneven excavation.
- Rounding the net quantity before adding allowance.