What the cubic yard calculator does
Bulk landscape and construction materials are sold by the cubic yard in the US (and by the cubic metre almost everywhere else). Most people measure in feet and inches, so the hard part is the conversion. This calculator takes any mix of units and returns the volume in cubic yards, with cubic feet and cubic metres alongside.
Three input methods cover most jobs: a rectangular space (length × width × depth), a known area with a depth (handy when you already have the square footage), and a round area such as a circular bed or a cylinder.
How to use it
- Choose the input method: dimensions, area × depth or round.
- Enter the measurements. Depth can be in inches even if length and width are in feet.
- Use quantity for several identical areas, such as four matching beds.
- Read the cubic yards in the results, or use the quick converter to change any volume between units.
Cubic yard formula and conversions
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. Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. If depth is in inches, divide it by 12 first.
| From | To cubic yards |
|---|---|
| Cubic feet | ÷ 27 |
| Cubic metres | × 1.30795 |
| Cubic inches | ÷ 46,656 |
| Litres | ÷ 764.555 |
One cubic yard equals exactly 0.764554857984 cubic metres.
Worked example
Topsoil for a 20 ft × 12 ft area, 4 inches deep:
- Depth in feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
- Volume: 20 × 12 × 0.333 = 80 cubic feet
- Cubic yards: 80 ÷ 27 = 2.96 yd³ (2.27 m³)
Using area × depth gives the same result: 240 sq ft × 4 in = 80 ft³. In metric, a 6 m × 4 m area at 100 mm is 2.4 m³, or 3.14 yd³.
Understanding the results
- Volume – the main result in cubic yards (US) or cubic metres (metric).
- All units – the same volume in cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic metres, litres and US gallons.
- Quick converter – a separate tool for converting a volume you already know.
Tips for ordering by the cubic yard
- Suppliers often sell in half- or whole-yard increments; round up to their increment.
- Loose fill such as topsoil and mulch settles. Many people order extra to allow for settling and compaction; the right amount depends on the material.
- Ask how many cubic yards fit in a delivery truck to plan how many loads you need.
- For weight-based pricing, convert using the material’s density; the gravel calculator does this.
Choosing the right calculator
This tool gives plain volume. For material-specific results, use the concrete calculator (waste allowance and cost), the mulch calculator (multiple beds and bags) or the gravel calculator (weight in tons). For small volumes measured in cubic feet and litres, the cubic feet calculator is a better fit.