Cubic Yard Calculator
Convert any length × width × depth to cubic yards
Need to order any bulk material by the yard? Enter your length, width and depth to convert the volume into cubic yards (and cubic feet).
What is a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is a cube 3 ft on each side — 27 cubic feet. To convert, find the volume in cubic feet (length × width × depth, all in feet), then divide by 27. This calculator does both, with an optional waste allowance.
Why materials are sold by the yard
Bulk landscape and construction materials — gravel, topsoil, mulch, sand and concrete — are priced and delivered by the cubic yard because it's a convenient truckload-scale unit. A standard dump-truck load is several yards, and one yard of soil weighs roughly a ton, which is why delivery beats hauling bags for anything large.
Convert inches to feet first
The most common mistake is mixing units. If your depth is in inches, divide by 12 to get feet before multiplying — a 4-inch layer is 0.33 ft, not 4. This tool lets you enter depth in inches or feet and handles the conversion for you.
Cubic Yard Calculator: frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
27 cubic feet make one cubic yard.
How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?
Multiply square feet by depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27.
How many cubic yards is a dump truck?
A standard tandem dump truck holds about 10–14 cubic yards; smaller trucks carry 5–6. One cubic yard of soil or gravel weighs roughly a ton, so weight limits often matter as much as volume.