How to use the cubic yard calculator
- Enter the length and width of the area in feet (or metres).
- Enter the depth in inches (or centimetres). The calculator converts it for you.
- Add extra for compaction or waste if the material will settle or be spread unevenly.
- Optionally enter the supplier's price per cubic yard to see the cost.
Most US suppliers of soil, mulch and gravel sell by the cubic yard, so Decoratoradvice gives that figure first.
Cubic yard formula
Cubic feet = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft)
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
Depth in feet = depth in inches ÷ 12
A cubic yard is a cube 3 ft on each side, so it holds 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 cubic feet.
Worked example
You need to fill a 10 ft × 10 ft area 4 in deep.
Depth: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
Volume: 10 × 10 × 0.333 = 33.3 cu ft
Cubic yards: 33.3 ÷ 27 = 1.23 cu yd
At $50 per cubic yard, that is about $61.73 before delivery.
In metric, a 3 m × 3 m area 10 cm deep is 3 × 3 × 0.1 = 0.9 m³.
Coverage of one cubic yard at common depths
| Depth | Area one cubic yard covers |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft |
Each figure is 27 cu ft divided by the depth in feet.
Which calculator for which material?
This calculator gives a plain volume, which works for any bulk material. Several materials have their own tools with extra outputs:
- Concrete, with premix bag counts: concrete calculator.
- Gravel by weight in tons: gravel calculator.
- Mulch, with bag counts and coverage per bag: mulch calculator.
- Topsoil, with an allowance for settling: topsoil calculator.
If you only need the surface area, use the square footage calculator.
Tips
- Measure depth in several spots and use the average. Low spots add up over a large area.
- Suppliers often sell in half or whole yards. Round up rather than down.
- Ask whether the price is per loose yard as delivered. Most bulk material compacts once spread and rolled.
Common mistakes
- Leaving depth in inches. 10 × 10 × 4 = 400 is not cubic feet. Convert 4 in to 0.333 ft first.
- Dividing by 9. That converts square feet to square yards. For cubic yards, divide cubic feet by 27.
- Ignoring compaction. Gravel and fill lose volume when compacted, so order extra.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
- A cubic yard measures 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft.
How do I convert cubic yards to cubic metres?
Multiply by 0.7646. One cubic yard is about 0.76 m³, and one cubic metre is about 1.31 cu yd.
How much area does a cubic yard cover?
At 3 in deep it covers 108 sq ft; at 4 in, 81 sq ft. See the table above for other depths.
How do I calculate cubic yards for a circle?
Find the area with π × radius², multiply by the depth in feet, then divide by 27. The square footage calculator handles the circle area.
Is a "yard" of material the same as a cubic yard?
Yes. Landscape and concrete suppliers say "a yard" to mean one cubic yard.
Should I order extra?
Usually 5–10% for material that will be compacted or spread over uneven ground. Enter it in the extra field.
Key takeaways
- Cubic yards = length × width × depth (all in feet) ÷ 27.
- Convert depth from inches to feet before multiplying.
- One cubic yard covers 81 sq ft at 4 in deep.
- Add extra for compaction and round up to the supplier's minimum unit.