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Cubic Yard Calculator

Calculate cubic yards for any project โ€” enter dimensions for one or multiple zones, choose a material for weight estimates, and get total volume with cost

Units:
$
10%
0% (exact) 5% 10% (standard) 15% 25%

Results

Enter dimensions above to see results

About This Tool

Ordering bulk materials like soil, gravel, mulch, or compost means thinking in cubic yards โ€” and getting the quantity wrong means either a second delivery fee or a pile of excess material in your yard. This calculator handles the math for any project, from a single raised bed to a complex multi-zone landscape overhaul. Enter dimensions for one or more zones (rectangular, circular, or triangular), optionally select a material for weight estimates, and enter a price per cubic yard for an instant cost total. The multi-zone feature lets you plan an entire project in one place โ€” a driveway base, two garden beds, and a walkway all calculated together with a grand total. Whether you're calling a landscape supplier for a bulk delivery quote or loading bags at the hardware store, this tool tells you exactly how many cubic yards you need so you order right the first time.

How to Use

1. Choose a project preset (Raised Garden Bed, Driveway, etc.) or start with blank dimensions 2. Toggle between Imperial (ft, in) and Metric (m, cm) 3. Select a shape for your zone โ€” Rectangle, Circle, or Triangle 4. Enter the dimensions (length, width, depth โ€” or diameter, base, height depending on shape) 5. Add more zones with the "+ Add Zone" button for complex projects 6. Optionally select a material from the dropdown to see weight estimates 7. Optionally enter a price per cubic yard to see the total cost 8. Adjust the waste factor slider (default 10%) to account for spillage and compaction 9. View the results โ€” total volume, weight, cost, and per-zone breakdown 10. Use "Copy Link" to save or share your calculation

Formula

Rectangle: Volume (ftยณ) = Length (ft) ร— Width (ft) ร— Depth (in) รท 12 Circle: Volume (ftยณ) = ฯ€ ร— (Diameter รท 2)ยฒ ร— Depth (in) รท 12 Triangle: Volume (ftยณ) = 0.5 ร— Base (ft) ร— Height (ft) ร— Depth (in) รท 12 Cubic Yards = Volume (ftยณ) รท 27 Weight (lbs) = Volume (ftยณ) ร— Material Density (lb/ftยณ) Total with Waste = Cubic Yards ร— (1 + Waste %)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate cubic yards?
Multiply length ร— width ร— depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. For example, an area 10 ft long, 8 ft wide, and 4 inches deep (0.333 ft): 10 ร— 8 ร— 0.333 = 26.67 cubic feet รท 27 = 0.99 cubic yards. If depth is in inches, divide inches by 12 first to convert to feet.
How many cubic yards are in a dump truck?
A standard single-axle dump truck holds 10โ€“14 cubic yards. A tandem-axle dump truck holds 14โ€“18 cubic yards. A tri-axle dump truck can carry up to 20 cubic yards. The actual capacity depends on the weight of the material โ€” heavier materials like gravel may hit the truck's weight limit before filling the bed.
How many cubic yards of dirt do I need?
Measure the area in feet (length ร— width) and the depth in inches. Multiply length ร— width ร— (depth รท 12) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. For example, filling a 10ร—12 ft area to 6 inches deep: 10 ร— 12 ร— 0.5 = 60 ftยณ รท 27 = 2.22 cubic yards. Add 10% for waste, so order about 2.45 cubic yards.
How many tons is a cubic yard?
It depends on the material. Topsoil weighs about 1.01 tons per cubic yard. Gravel and sand weigh about 1.28โ€“1.35 tons per cubic yard. Mulch is much lighter at roughly 0.34 tons per cubic yard. Compost weighs about 0.54 tons per cubic yard. This calculator estimates weight automatically when you select a material.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel cost?
Gravel typically costs $15โ€“$75 per cubic yard depending on type and location. Crushed stone runs $30โ€“$50/ydยณ, pea gravel $30โ€“$60/ydยณ, and river rock $40โ€“$75/ydยณ. Delivery fees usually add $50โ€“$150 per load. Buying in bulk (5+ yards) often reduces the per-yard price.
What is the difference between cubic yards and cubic feet?
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3 ft ร— 3 ft ร— 3 ft). Bulk landscape materials are sold by the cubic yard in the US. To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, divide by 27. To convert cubic yards to cubic feet, multiply by 27.
How much area does one cubic yard cover?
One cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep, or 81 sq ft at 4 inches deep. The formula is: coverage (sq ft) = 324 รท depth (inches). This applies to any material โ€” soil, gravel, mulch, or sand.

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