How to Calculate Cubic Yards
This cubic yard calculator (yardage calculator) helps you find the volume of any rectangular space in cubic yards. Whether you need to estimate how much gravel, soil, mulch, sand, or concrete to order for a construction or landscaping project, this tool makes it quick and easy. Enter dimensions in any unit — yards, feet, inches, meters, or centimeters — and get instant results in all common volume units.
How Much Is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard is a unit of volume. One cubic yard is the volume of a cube with edges 1 yard long (1 yd × 1 yd × 1 yd). It is commonly used in the US and UK for measuring large quantities of bulk materials. The symbol is yd³ or cu yd.
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet (ft³)
- 1 cubic yard = 46,656 cubic inches (in³)
- 1 cubic yard = 0.7646 cubic meters (m³)
- 1 cubic yard = 764.55 liters (L)
- 1 cubic yard = 201.97 US gallons
How Do I Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards?
Since 1 yard = 3 feet, one cubic yard equals 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet. To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, simply divide by 27.
Volume (yd³) = Volume (ft³) ÷ 27
Example: 54 cubic feet to cubic yards
54 ft³ ÷ 27 = 2 yd³
How Do I Convert Cubic Inches to Cubic Yards?
Since 1 yard = 36 inches, one cubic yard equals 36 × 36 × 36 = 46,656 cubic inches. To convert cubic inches to cubic yards, divide by 46,656.
Volume (yd³) = Volume (in³) ÷ 46,656
How to Estimate Volume from Square Feet to Cubic Yards?
If you know the area in square feet and the depth, you can estimate the volume in cubic yards. This is common for paving, mulching, or filling a flat surface to a certain depth.
1. Volume (ft³) = Area (ft²) × Depth (ft) 2. Volume (yd³) = Volume (ft³) ÷ 27
Example: 300 sq ft area, 4 inches deep
Depth = 4 in ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft Volume = 300 × 0.333 = 100 ft³ Cubic yards = 100 ÷ 27 ≈ 3.7 yd³
The Cubic Yard Formula
For a rectangular shape, the formula is:
Volume (yd³) = Length (yd) × Width (yd) × Height (yd)
If your dimensions are in feet or inches, convert them to yards first — or simply use the unit selectors in the calculator above to let it handle the conversion automatically.
Unit Conversion Quick Reference
| From | To convert dimension to yards | To convert volume to yd³ |
|---|---|---|
| Feet (ft) | Divide by 3 | Divide by 27 |
| Inches (in) | Divide by 36 | Divide by 46,656 |
| Meters (m) | Multiply by 1.09361 | Multiply by 1.30795 |
| Centimeters (cm) | Divide by 91.44 | Divide by 764,554.9 |
Yardage Calculator in Practice
Cubic yards are the standard unit for ordering bulk construction and landscaping materials in the United States. Here are common use cases:
- Concrete: Ready-mix concrete is ordered by the cubic yard. A typical concrete truck holds about 8–10 yd³.
- Gravel / Crushed stone: Used for driveways, drainage, and foundations. Calculate the area and depth.
- Topsoil / Fill dirt: For raised beds, lawns, and earthworks.
- Mulch: Applied 2–4 inches deep in garden beds to retain moisture.
- Sand: For sandboxes, under pavers, or mixing with concrete.
Tip: Most suppliers sell bulk materials by the cubic yard. Add 10–15% extra to your estimate to account for compaction, waste, and uneven surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
- There are exactly 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 ft³).
- How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?
- Multiply the area in square feet by the depth in feet, then divide by 27. Example: 200 ft² × 0.5 ft deep ÷ 27 ≈ 3.7 yd³.
- How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?
- A cubic yard of standard concrete weighs approximately 3,900–4,050 lbs (about 1,770–1,840 kg).
- How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
- A cubic yard of dry gravel weighs approximately 2,800–3,400 lbs (1,270–1,540 kg), depending on the type and moisture content.
- How many cubic yards are in a ton?
- This depends on the material density. For gravel, roughly 1 ton ≈ 0.6–0.8 yd³. For topsoil, roughly 1 ton ≈ 0.75–1 yd³.
- Can I use mixed units for dimensions?
- Yes! The calculator allows you to select a different unit for each dimension independently — useful when you know the length in feet and the depth in inches, for example.
- How do I use the material cost estimator?
- Check the "Estimate material cost" box, enter the price per cubic yard (or per ft³ / m³), and select your currency. The calculator will multiply the volume by the price to give you the total cost in your currency.