Cubic Yard Calculator

Use this calculator to find how many cubic yards of soil, mulch, gravel or concrete you need. Bulk materials are sold by the cubic yard, so converting your area and depth into yards prevents over- or under-ordering.

How the Math Works

The Cubic Yard Calculator uses the formula cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27 to convert measurements from feet to cubic yards. This works because 1 cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3ft × 3ft × 3ft), so dividing the total cubic feet by 27 converts the volume to the standard unit used for bulk materials. Simply multiply the three dimensions in feet and divide by 27 to get the exact cubic yardage needed for your project.

Practical Applications

To apply this calculation practically, measure the length, width, and depth of your project area in feet. For example, if building a concrete patio that is 20 feet long, 15 feet wide, and 4 inches deep (0.33 feet), plug these values into the formula: (20 × 15 × 0.33) ÷ 27 = 3.67 cubic yards. This tells you precisely how much material to order, preventing costly over-ordering or project delays from under-ordering. The calculator also estimates costs by multiplying cubic yards by the material's price per yard.

Day-to-Day Use

This tool simplifies everyday tasks for homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts by removing guesswork from material orders. Whether you're spreading topsoil for a garden bed, laying gravel for a driveway, or installing mulch, knowing the exact cubic yards needed saves money and reduces waste. It ensures you purchase just the right amount of materials—whether for a small flowerbed or a large concrete slab—making projects more efficient and cost-effective while avoiding multiple trips to the supplier for additional materials.

Worked example

A 10 ft × 10 ft area filled 4 in deep:
volume = 10 × 10 × (4 ÷ 12) = 33.33 ft³
cubic yards = 33.33 ÷ 27 = 1.23 yd³.

FAQ