Construction
Cubic Yard Calculator
The cubic yard calculator converts a length, width and depth into cubic yards, the unit used to sell soil, gravel, sand, mulch and concrete. It also gives cubic feet and cubic metres, adds a waste allowance, and estimates the approximate weight in tons for common materials.
The formula
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27
If depth is in inches, divide it by 12 first. A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, a cube three feet on each side.
Example. A bed 20 ft long, 10 ft wide and 3 in deep: 20 × 10 × 0.25 = 50 ft³, which is 1.85 yd³. Add 10% waste and order 2.04 yd³, or about 2 cubic yards.
Approximate weights
| Material | Tons per cubic yard (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Mulch | 0.4 to 0.5 |
| Topsoil | 1.1 to 1.3 |
| Sand | 1.3 to 1.5 |
| Gravel | 1.3 to 1.5 |
| Concrete | about 2.0 |
Density changes with moisture and stone type, so ask the supplier for the exact weight. Material is often sold by the ton for gravel and by the yard for mulch and soil.
Questions people ask
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.
How much mulch for a garden bed?
A 2 to 3 inch layer is typical. One cubic yard covers about 108 square feet at 3 inches deep.
Should I allow for compaction?
Yes. Gravel and soil settle once compacted, so many installers order 10% to 20% extra.