Cubic Yard Calculator
The universal first step of every material estimate: turn dimensions into cubic yards. Works for rectangles, circles, and triangles - including multiple identical areas - and converts the result to cubic feet, cubic meters, and approximate tons for common materials. Once you know your yards, jump to the material-specific calculator for waste factors, bags, and ordering advice.
Dimensions
Results
Volume
– cubic yards
Raw geometric volume - no waste or compaction factors. Use the material-specific calculators for ordering quantities.
The formulas this calculator uses
Volume (yd³) = Area × Depth(in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 · m³ = ft³ × 0.0283
Everything reduces to area × depth, with two unit conversions: inches to feet (÷12) and cubic feet to cubic yards (÷27). L-shapes and odd beds: split them into rectangles and triangles, run each, and add - or use the "identical areas" field for repeated shapes.
Quick reference: cubic yards by area and depth
| Area | 2 in | 3 in | 4 in | 6 in | 12 in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft² | 0.31 | 0.46 | 0.62 | 0.93 | 1.85 |
| 100 ft² | 0.62 | 0.93 | 1.23 | 1.85 | 3.70 |
| 250 ft² | 1.54 | 2.31 | 3.09 | 4.63 | 9.26 |
| 500 ft² | 3.09 | 4.63 | 6.17 | 9.26 | 18.5 |
| 1,000 ft² | 6.17 | 9.26 | 12.3 | 18.5 | 37.0 |
Worked example: L-shaped patio base
- Split the L: rectangle A = 12 × 10 ft, rectangle B = 6 × 8 ft
- Area: 120 + 48 = 168 ft²
- At 4 in: 168 × 0.333 = 56 ft³ = 2.07 yd³
- As gravel base, that's 2.07 × 1.35 ≈ 2.8 tons - then add compaction and waste in the gravel calculator
Volume is not an order quantity
This tool gives geometric volume. Real orders need corrections that differ by material: gravel compacts (~+15%), excavated soil swells (+12–50%), concrete needs waste (+5–10%), mulch settles. That's why each material has its own calculator here - this page answers "how many yards is my space," and the material tools answer "how much should I buy." Weight matters too: the same yard is 500 lb of mulch or 4,050 lb of concrete, which decides whether your truck, trailer, or supplier's minimum-delivery threshold comes into play.
Common mistakes
Dividing by 3 instead of 27. A yard is 27 cubic feet. This one error produces estimates nine times too big - it's the most common unit slip in DIY estimating.
Mixing inches and feet. Depth is usually known in inches; length in feet. Convert depth to feet before multiplying - the calculator does it automatically.
Measuring sloped areas flat. For beds on a slope, measure along the ground surface; for volumes that must fill to level (like a low spot), measure depth at several points and average.
When to call a professional
Volume math never needs a pro - but what the volume is for might. Fills that change drainage near foundations, excavations past 5 ft, and structural bases are covered in each material calculator's guidance and our safety disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate cubic yards?
Multiply length x width in feet, multiply by depth in inches divided by 12, then divide by 27. Example: 12 x 15 ft at 4 inches = 12 x 15 x 0.333 / 27 = 2.2 cubic yards.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
27. A cubic yard is 3 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft. This is the number that trips up most estimates - dividing by 3 instead of 27 gives an order nine times too large.
How many cubic yards fit in a pickup truck?
A full-size pickup bed holds 2-2.5 cubic yards of mulch by volume, but weight limits it to about half a yard of topsoil or a third of a yard of gravel. Volume fills the bed; weight breaks the axle.
How do I calculate cubic yards for a circle?
Area = pi x radius squared, then multiply by depth in feet and divide by 27. A 10-ft-diameter circle at 3 inches deep: 3.1416 x 25 x 0.25 / 27 = 0.73 cubic yards.
How many tons is a cubic yard?
Depends entirely on material: mulch about 0.25 tons, topsoil about 1 ton, sand 1.3, gravel 1.35, concrete about 2 tons per cubic yard. The calculator converts using typical densities.