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This cubic yard calculator converts the size of an area into cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters and liters. Use it to order bulk materials such as topsoil, mulch, gravel, sand, compost or concrete, which suppliers in the US sell by the cubic yard.
How to Use the Cubic Yard Calculator
- Choose a rectangular or circular area.
- Enter the length and width, or the diameter.
- Enter the depth in inches or centimeters.
- Enter the number of identical areas and, optionally, the price per cubic yard.
Cubic Yard Formula
Cubic yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27
A cubic yard is a cube 3 ft on each side, so it holds 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 cubic feet. Convert the depth from inches to feet first by dividing by 12.
Worked Example
A garden bed 10 × 10 ft filled 6 inches deep: 10 × 10 × 0.5 = 50 cubic feet. 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards, or 1.42 m³.
Cubic Yard Coverage Chart
How much area one cubic yard covers at common depths:
| Depth | Area covered by 1 cu yd | Area covered by 1 m³ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in (2.5 cm) | 324 sq ft | 40 m² |
| 2 in (5 cm) | 162 sq ft | 20 m² |
| 3 in (7.5 cm) | 108 sq ft | 13.3 m² |
| 4 in (10 cm) | 81 sq ft | 10 m² |
| 6 in (15 cm) | 54 sq ft | 6.7 m² |
| 12 in (30 cm) | 27 sq ft | 3.3 m² |
Volume Conversions
| Unit | Equals |
|---|---|
| 1 cubic yard | 27 cu ft = 0.765 m³ = 765 L |
| 1 cubic meter | 1.308 cu yd = 35.3 cu ft |
| 1 cubic foot | 28.3 L = 7.48 US gallons |
How Much Does a Cubic Yard Weigh?
Weight depends on the material. Mulch weighs roughly 400–800 lb per cubic yard, topsoil around 2,000 lb, gravel about 2,800 lb and concrete about 4,000 lb. Check that your vehicle or trailer can carry the load, or arrange delivery.
Read the guide: How to Calculate Cubic Yards for Soil, Mulch, Gravel and Concrete
Related Calculators
- Gravel calculator to convert volume into tons.
- Mulch and topsoil calculator for bag counts.
- Concrete calculator for slabs, footings and bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
27 cubic feet, because a cubic yard measures 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft.
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide the number of cubic feet by 27. For example, 81 cubic feet is 3 cubic yards.
How much area does a cubic yard cover?
At 3 inches deep, one cubic yard covers about 108 square feet. At 2 inches it covers about 162 square feet.
How many cubic meters are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard equals about 0.765 cubic meters.
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