Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate the volume in cubic yards for various construction projects.
Cubic Yard Calculator
Table of Contents
Understanding Cubic Yards
A cubic yard is a measure of volume equal to 27 cubic feet. It is commonly used in construction and landscaping to measure:
- Concrete for foundations and slabs
- Gravel for driveways and paths
- Soil for gardens and landscaping
- Mulch for garden beds
- Sand for construction projects
One cubic yard is equivalent to a cube that measures 3 feet on each side (3 × 3 × 3 = 27 cubic feet).
How to Calculate Cubic Yards
To calculate cubic yards, follow these steps:
- Measure the length, width, and height/depth in feet
- Multiply these three measurements to get cubic feet
- Divide the result by 27 to convert to cubic yards
For example, an area 10 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 1 foot deep would be: (10 × 10 × 1) ÷ 27 = 3.7 cubic yards
Common Applications
Concrete Projects
- Driveways and parking areas
- Foundation slabs
- Sidewalks and patios
- Retaining walls
Landscaping
- Garden bed preparation
- Mulch application
- Topsoil installation
- Gravel paths and driveways
Construction
- Fill material
- Aggregate base
- Sand for masonry
- Drainage materials
Material Estimates
When ordering materials, consider these factors:
- Compaction: Add 10-15% for materials that will be compacted
- Waste Factor: Add 5-10% for spillage and waste
- Settling: Account for material settling over time
- Minimum Orders: Some suppliers have minimum order quantities
Pro Tip:
For critical applications like concrete, it's better to order slightly more than your calculated need to avoid running short during the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet).
How much does a cubic yard of material weigh?
The weight varies by material:
- Concrete: ~4,000 lbs
- Gravel: ~2,800 lbs
- Topsoil: ~2,200 lbs
- Mulch: ~1,000 lbs
How much area will a cubic yard cover?
At 1 inch deep, one cubic yard will cover approximately 324 square feet. At 2 inches deep, it will cover 162 square feet, and so on.