Cubic Yard Calculator
Work out the cubic yards of soil, mulch, gravel or concrete you need from the length, width and depth, for one area or several.
All results include your extra percentage. Material weights are rough averages and change with moisture and type.
How to calculate cubic yards
A cubic yard is a cube that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide and 3 feet high, which is 27 cubic feet. To find cubic yards, work out the volume in cubic feet and divide by 27.
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27
Depth is usually measured in inches. Divide the inches by 12 to turn them into feet first. The calculator does this for you.
ExampleAn area 10 ft by 10 ft, covered 3 inches deep: 10 × 10 × 0.25 = 25 cubic feet. 25 ÷ 27 = 0.93 cubic yards, so you would order 1 cubic yard.
Cubic yards for common areas and depths
Find your area on the left and your depth across the top. Figures are in cubic yards, before any extra.
| Area | 2 in deep | 3 in deep | 4 in deep | 6 in deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.31 | 0.46 | 0.62 | 0.93 |
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 | 0.93 | 1.23 | 1.85 |
| 200 sq ft | 1.23 | 1.85 | 2.47 | 3.7 |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 | 4.63 | 6.17 | 9.26 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 | 9.26 | 12.35 | 18.52 |
How much area one cubic yard covers
| Depth | Coverage per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft |
| 12 inches | 27 sq ft |
Why suppliers call it a yard
When a supplier of soil, mulch, gravel or concrete says “a yard”, they mean a cubic yard. Bulk materials are priced and delivered by the cubic yard, often in whole or half yards, so that is the number to have ready when you call.
How much a cubic yard weighs
Weight matters for delivery and for what a truck or trailer can carry. These are rough averages. Real weights vary with moisture and with the exact material, so ask your supplier.
| Material | Approximate weight per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| Mulch | about 800 lb (0.4 tons) |
| Topsoil | about 2,200 lb (1.1 tons) |
| Sand | about 2,700 lb (1.35 tons) |
| Gravel | about 2,800 lb (1.4 tons) |
| Concrete | about 4,000 lb (2 tons) |
Tips for ordering by the cubic yard
- Measure the depth you want after spreading, not the height of the pile.
- Add the areas of every bed or section before you order, so it arrives in one delivery. Use Add an area for each one.
- Round up to the next half or whole yard. Running short usually costs more than a little left over.
- Ask about delivery minimums and whether the supplier sells half yards.
- For soil with bag counts, use the topsoil calculator. For paving, use the asphalt calculator.
Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter. Confirm quantities with your supplier, installer or contractor before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 × 3 × 3).
How many cubic yards do I need for a 10×10 area?
It depends on the depth. A 10 ft by 10 ft area needs about 0.62 cubic yards at 2 inches deep, 0.93 at 3 inches, 1.23 at 4 inches and 1.85 at 6 inches.
How do I add up more than one area?
Use “Add an area” for each bed, path or section. The calculator adds them together and gives one total.
How much does a cubic yard weigh?
It depends on the material and how wet it is. As rough guides, a cubic yard of mulch is well under a ton, topsoil is a little over a ton, sand and gravel are around a ton and a third to a ton and a half, and concrete is about two tons. Ask your supplier if the weight matters for delivery or hauling.
How many wheelbarrow loads are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it is about 9 loads with a 3 cubic foot wheelbarrow, or about 5 loads with a 6 cubic foot one.
Should I round up?
Most suppliers sell bulk material in whole or half cubic yards, and it is easier to have a little left over than to run short. Use the extra percentage to build in a margin.