Cubic Yard Calculator
A 20×15 ft area at 4" deep is 3.70 cubic yards. One cubic yard = 27 cubic feet = 46,656 cubic inches. Typical bulk delivery: $50-80 per cubic yard.
Cubic Yard Calculator
Enter your project dimensions for instant results.
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How to Calculate Cubic Yards
The conversion formula when using feet and inches:
cubic_yards = (length_ft × width_ft × depth_in) / 324
Or from all-feet measurements:
cubic_yards = (length_ft × width_ft × depth_ft) / 27
| Area (sq ft) | 2″ deep | 3″ deep | 4″ deep | 6″ deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.62 | 0.93 | 1.23 | 1.85 |
| 200 | 1.23 | 1.85 | 2.47 | 3.70 |
| 500 | 3.09 | 4.63 | 6.17 | 9.26 |
| 1,000 | 6.17 | 9.26 | 12.35 | 18.52 |
| Material | Weight (lbs/yd³) | US Tons/yd³ |
|---|---|---|
| Mulch (wood) | 400-800 | 0.2-0.4 |
| Topsoil (dry) | 1,800-2,200 | 0.9-1.1 |
| Sand (dry) | 2,600-2,900 | 1.3-1.45 |
| Gravel (crushed) | 2,800-3,000 | 1.4-1.5 |
| Concrete | 3,900-4,050 | 1.95-2.03 |
Common Mistakes:
- Confusing cubic yards with square yards — cubic yards measure volume (3D), square yards measure area (2D)
- Not converting depth from inches to feet before multiplying — divide inches by 12 first, or use the /324 shortcut
- Ordering exact cubic yards without rounding up — suppliers charge by the half-yard and ground irregularities absorb extra material
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. A cubic yard is a 3×3×3 ft cube: 3 × 3 × 3 = 27.
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide cubic feet by 27. For example, 81 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 3 cubic yards. To go the other direction, multiply cubic yards by 27.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Crushed gravel weighs approximately 2,800-3,000 pounds per cubic yard (1.4-1.5 US tons). Weight varies by rock type and moisture content. Always confirm weight limits with your delivery truck — most dump trucks carry 10-14 cubic yards.
How many wheelbarrow loads are in a cubic yard?
A standard 6 cubic foot wheelbarrow holds about 4.5 trips per cubic yard (27 ÷ 6 = 4.5). A smaller 3 cu ft wheelbarrow takes 9 loads. This helps estimate labor time — one cubic yard takes about 45 minutes to move by wheelbarrow over 50 feet.
What's the difference between a cubic yard and a ton?
A cubic yard measures volume, while a ton measures weight. The conversion depends on material density. One cubic yard of mulch weighs about 0.4 tons, while one cubic yard of gravel weighs about 1.4 tons. Suppliers sell loose materials by either unit — ask which one before ordering.
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