Cubic Yard Calculator

Category: Various Measurements/Units
- April 20, 2025
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Calculate cubic yards for landscaping, construction, and excavation projects. Determine material quantities for concrete, mulch, soil, gravel, and more.

Cubic Yard Calculator

Additional Options

About Cubic Yard Calculations

Cubic yards are a common unit of volume in landscaping, construction, and excavation projects. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet).

Common Conversion Factors
  • 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
  • 1 cubic yard = 0.764555 cubic meters
  • 1 cubic yard = 46,656 cubic inches
  • 1 cubic yard = 201.974 US gallons
Material Densities (Approximate)
  • Topsoil: 1,080-1,400 lb/yd³
  • Mulch: 400-800 lb/yd³
  • Gravel: 2,200-2,700 lb/yd³
  • Sand: 2,300-2,700 lb/yd³
  • Concrete: 3,800-4,000 lb/yd³

What Is the Cubic Yard Calculator?

The Cubic Yard Calculator is a practical online tool used to estimate the volume of materials needed for projects like landscaping, construction, and excavation. It helps you quickly determine how much concrete, mulch, soil, gravel, or sand you’ll need based on the shape and size of your project area.

Formula for Volume Calculations:
  • Rectangular Area: \( \text{Length} \times \text{Width} \times \text{Depth} \)
  • Circular Area: \( \pi \times (\text{Radius})^2 \times \text{Depth} \)
  • Triangular Area: \( \frac{1}{2} \times \text{Base} \times \text{Height} \times \text{Depth} \)

All results are converted into cubic yards. 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet.

How to Use the Calculator

The calculator supports four types of inputs based on the shape or volume of your space. Here’s how to get started:

  • Select the shape of your area: Rectangular, Circular, Triangular, or enter a Custom Volume.
  • Enter the required dimensions such as length, width, depth, etc.
  • Choose your units – the unit conversion tool built into the calculator handles all conversions automatically.
  • Select the material type to estimate weight and cost.
  • Adjust optional factors like compaction and waste for more precise results.
  • Click Calculate to see the volume in cubic yards and other units.

Why This Calculator Is Useful

Whether you're a homeowner starting a garden or a contractor managing a large job site, estimating the right amount of material is key. This calculator:

  • Eliminates the guesswork from material estimation.
  • Reduces over-ordering and under-ordering of materials.
  • Includes a measurement converter for quick unit conversions like feet to meters or inches to yards.
  • Provides approximate weight and cost for budgeting purposes.
  • Helps with volume unit conversions such as cubic feet to cubic yards or gallons to cubic feet.

Built-In Conversion Tool

This calculator acts as a powerful conversion helper. It includes a built-in unit conversion tool that automatically converts:

  • Feet, inches, yards, and meters into a common volume unit
  • Volume units like cubic feet, cubic yards, cubic meters, and gallons
  • Weight estimates based on material density

It works seamlessly as a conversion calculator that simplifies planning, budgeting, and logistics for your next project.

FAQs

What is a cubic yard?

A cubic yard is a unit of volume equal to a space measuring 3 feet long by 3 feet wide by 3 feet high. That equals 27 cubic feet.

What kinds of projects can I use this for?

Common uses include concrete slabs, garden beds, driveways, playgrounds, soil replacement, and gravel paths.

Can I switch between units?

Yes. The calculator includes quick unit conversions, so you can enter measurements in feet, inches, yards, or meters and see all values converted.

Does it account for waste or compaction?

Yes. Use the “Additional Options” section to apply a compaction factor and a waste percentage to your results.

Can I see results in other volume units?

Yes. After calculating, you’ll also see conversions in cubic feet, cubic meters, cubic inches, and gallons if you check the “Show all unit conversions” option.

Who Should Use This Tool?

This tool is useful for:

  • DIY homeowners
  • Landscapers
  • Contractors
  • Gardeners
  • Excavation crews

And anyone who wants accurate results using a measurement converter and value conversion calculator with just a few clicks.