Measure calculator
Cubic Yard Calculator
Multiply length by width by depth to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then round the purchasing quantity up to the supplier’s increment.
Planning estimate, not a contractor quote. Review the assumptions and replace presets with local prices when available.
Method
How this calculator works
Bulk soil, mulch, gravel, concrete, and base material are commonly sold by the cubic yard. Depth is where most ordering mistakes happen: a 4-inch layer must be converted to one-third of a foot before multiplying. This calculator keeps depth in inches while converting it internally.
Cubic feet = length in feet × width in feet × depth in feet. Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Recommended order = volume × allowance, rounded up to the next 0.25 yd³.
Worked example
A realistic starting point
A 10 ft by 10 ft area at 4 in deep contains 33.33 ft³, or 1.23 yd³. With a 10% allowance, the calculated need is 1.36 yd³ and the suggested quarter-yard order is 1.50 yd³.
What changes the answer
Factors worth checking
Compacted vs loose depth
Gravel and soil settle. Confirm whether your target depth is compacted and ask the supplier how the product is sold.
Supplier minimums
Yards may be sold in quarter- or half-yard increments, and delivery often has a minimum. Match the final order to the supplier.
Uneven grades
Use an average measured depth for shallow variation. Divide severely uneven sites into sections for a safer estimate.
Allowance is not universal
Ten percent is a planning default, not a rule. Clean rectangular excavations may need less; irregular placement may need more.
Common questions
Cubic yards FAQ
Why divide cubic feet by 27?
A cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft, which equals 27 cubic feet.
How much area does one cubic yard cover?
One cubic yard covers 324 ft² at 1 inch deep, 162 ft² at 2 inches, 108 ft² at 3 inches, or 81 ft² at 4 inches.
Do cubic yards convert directly to tons?
No. Weight depends on material density and moisture. Use the gravel calculator when tons are required.
Should I round the exact volume?
Keep the exact calculation, then round the purchasing quantity up to the increment your supplier sells.
Evidence
Sources & review
- NIST SI UnitsReference for volume units and conversions.
Published by Calcstead. Report a correction.
Method and source links reviewed September 4, 2026. Price presets are editable planning inputs and should be replaced with current local information.