Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate cubic yards for concrete, gravel, mulch, topsoil, and more.
Material Cost Estimator (Optional)
Quick Answer
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. To calculate cubic yards: multiply Length × Width × Depth (in feet) and divide by 27. Our calculator above handles all conversions automatically.
Whether you're ordering concrete, mulch, gravel, topsoil, or fill dirt, knowing how many cubic yards you need prevents costly over-ordering or frustrating project delays. This calculator instantly converts your measurements into cubic yards and estimates material costs.
Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian
15+ years experience
PhD from Yale University. Published mathematical historian ensuring precision in all calculations.
Education
PhD in Mathematical History - Yale University
How Many Cubic Feet in a Cubic Yard?
There are exactly 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.
1 yd³ = 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 ft³
This relationship comes from the fact that 1 yard equals 3 feet. When you cube that (multiply it by itself three times for length, width, and height), you get 3 × 3 × 3 = 27. This is why the "rule of 27" is fundamental to all cubic yard calculations.
How to Calculate Cubic Yards
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27
(All measurements must be in feet)
Step-by-Step Example
Project: A 20 × 10 foot driveway with 4 inches of gravel
Convert depth to feet
4 inches ÷ 12 = 0.333 feet
Calculate cubic feet
20 × 10 × 0.333 = 66.6 cubic feet
Divide by 27
66.6 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards
Add 10% for waste
2.47 × 1.1 = 2.72 → Order 3 cubic yards
Real-World Project Examples
🚗 Driveway Base Layer
Project: 50-foot driveway, 12 feet wide, 4 inches of gravel
Calculation: 50 × 12 × 0.333 = 200 cu ft ÷ 27 = 7.4 cu yd
Order: 8 cubic yards (with waste factor)
Material: Crushed stone gravel
Cost: ~$400-$600 delivered
🌱 Garden Bed Mulch
Project: Four 10×3 foot beds, 3 inches of mulch
Calculation: (10 × 3 × 0.25) × 4 = 30 cu ft ÷ 27 = 1.1 cu yd
Order: 1.5 cubic yards (mulch settles)
Material: Hardwood mulch
Cost: ~$50-$75
🏠 Concrete Patio
Project: 15×20 foot patio, 4 inches thick
Calculation: 15 × 20 × 0.333 = 100 cu ft ÷ 27 = 3.7 cu yd
Order: 4 cubic yards
Material: Ready-mix concrete
Cost: ~$480-$600 delivered
🌿 Raised Garden Box
Project: 8×4 foot box, 2 feet deep, topsoil fill
Calculation: 8 × 4 × 2 = 64 cu ft ÷ 27 = 2.4 cu yd
Order: 2.5-3 cubic yards
Material: Quality topsoil
Cost: ~$100-$165
Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards Conversion Chart
| Cubic Feet | Cubic Yards |
|---|---|
| 1 cu ft | 0.037 cu yd |
| 5 cu ft | 0.185 cu yd |
| 10 cu ft | 0.37 cu yd |
| 15 cu ft | 0.556 cu yd |
| 20 cu ft | 0.741 cu yd |
| 27 cu ft | 1 cu yd |
| 50 cu ft | 1.852 cu yd |
| 75 cu ft | 2.778 cu yd |
| 100 cu ft | 3.704 cu yd |
| 150 cu ft | 5.556 cu yd |
| 200 cu ft | 7.407 cu yd |
| 250 cu ft | 9.259 cu yd |
Square Feet to Cubic Yards by Depth
| Square Feet | 2" Deep | 3" Deep | 4" Deep | 6" Deep | 12" Deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 yd³ | 0.93 yd³ | 1.23 yd³ | 1.85 yd³ | 3.7 yd³ |
| 200 sq ft | 1.23 yd³ | 1.85 yd³ | 2.47 yd³ | 3.7 yd³ | 7.41 yd³ |
| 300 sq ft | 1.85 yd³ | 2.78 yd³ | 3.7 yd³ | 5.56 yd³ | 11.11 yd³ |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 yd³ | 4.63 yd³ | 6.17 yd³ | 9.26 yd³ | 18.52 yd³ |
| 1000 sq ft | 6.17 yd³ | 9.26 yd³ | 12.35 yd³ | 18.52 yd³ | 37.04 yd³ |
How Much Does a Cubic Yard Weigh?
| Material | Weight per Cubic Yard | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | 3,500-4,000 lbs | $100-$150 |
| Gravel (crushed stone) | 2,700-3,000 lbs | $40-$65 |
| Sand | 2,500-3,000 lbs | $35-$55 |
| Topsoil | 1,800-2,200 lbs | $30-$55 |
| Mulch (wood) | 400-800 lbs | $25-$45 |
| River Rock | 2,400-2,700 lbs | $45-$75 |
| Fill Dirt | 2,000-2,500 lbs | $20-$40 |
| Asphalt (hot mix) | 3,800-4,200 lbs | $85-$150 |
⚠️ Important: Most pickup trucks have a payload capacity of 1,500-2,000 lbs. This means you can only safely haul about 1/2 cubic yard of gravel or sand, but potentially 2 cubic yards of mulch.
Bagged vs. Bulk Material: When to Choose Each
📦 Buy Bagged When:
- ✓Small projects (under 1 cubic yard)
- ✓No truck access to property
- ✓Multiple different materials needed
- ✓Storing material for later use
- ✓Precise color matching required
🚛 Buy Bulk When:
- ✓Large projects (3+ cubic yards)
- ✓Delivery truck can access site
- ✓Single material type needed
- ✓Cost is a major factor (50-70% cheaper)
- ✓Timeline is flexible
Cost Comparison: Mulch Example
| Amount | Bagged Cost | Bulk Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cubic yard | $54 (13 bags @ $4.15) | $35 + delivery | -$19 to +$15 |
| 3 cubic yards | $162 (39 bags) | $105 + $50 delivery | $7 |
| 5 cubic yards | $270 (65 bags) | $175 (free delivery) | $95 |
Breakeven Point: Bulk becomes cheaper at approximately 1.5-2 cubic yards, depending on delivery fees in your area.
Delivery & Logistics Guide
🚛 Truck Access Requirements
- Minimum width: 10-12 feet clearance
- Overhead clearance: 14 feet minimum
- Turn radius: 45-50 feet
- Ground stability: Firm surface required
📋 Delivery Options
- Live-load: $50-$75 extra (you load yourself)
- Standard delivery: Dump in driveway
- Spread service: $100-$200 extra
📍 Placement Strategy
- Place as close to work area as possible
- Hard surface prevents material settling into ground
- Consider wheelbarrow distance for manual moving
- Get neighbor permission if using street
📏 Minimum Order Policies
- Most suppliers: 3-5 cubic yard minimum
- Under minimum: $50-$100 small load fee
- Concrete: Usually 1-2 yard minimum
Pro Tips for Ordering Cubic Yards
- 1.Always round up – It's better to have extra than to come up short mid-project.
- 2.Add 10% for waste – Account for spillage, uneven ground, and compaction.
- 3.Consider compaction – Gravel compacts 15-20%, topsoil settles 10-15%.
- 4.Check delivery minimums – Many suppliers have 3-5 cubic yard minimums for free delivery.
- 5.Verify truck access – Measure your driveway width and overhead clearances before ordering.
- 6.Mulch settles significantly – Order 20% extra for organic mulch applications.
- 7.Compare bagged vs. bulk – Bulk is typically 50-70% cheaper for larger projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are exactly 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. This is because a cubic yard measures 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet = 27 cubic feet. This "rule of 27" is the foundation of all cubic yard calculations.
How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?
To convert square feet to cubic yards, multiply the square footage by the depth (in feet), then divide by 27. Formula: (Square Feet × Depth in Feet) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards. For example, 300 sq ft at 4" deep = (300 × 0.333) ÷ 27 = 3.7 cubic yards.
How much area will 1 cubic yard cover?
One cubic yard covers different areas depending on depth: 324 sq ft at 1" deep, 162 sq ft at 2" deep, 108 sq ft at 3" deep, 81 sq ft at 4" deep, 54 sq ft at 6" deep, or 27 sq ft at 12" deep.
How many wheelbarrows in a cubic yard?
A standard 3 cubic foot wheelbarrow requires 9 loads to move one cubic yard (27 ÷ 3 = 9). A larger 6 cubic foot contractor wheelbarrow needs about 4-5 loads. Plan your project timeline accordingly.
How many bags of mulch equal a cubic yard?
It takes 13.5 bags of 2 cubic foot mulch to equal one cubic yard (27 ÷ 2 = 13.5). For 1.5 cubic foot bags, you need 18 bags. Bulk mulch becomes cost-effective at around 1.5-2 cubic yards.
What's the difference between a cubic yard and a yard?
A yard is a unit of length equal to 3 feet. A cubic yard is a unit of volume measuring 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet = 27 cubic feet. In landscaping and construction, when suppliers say "yard," they typically mean cubic yard.
How much does it cost to deliver a cubic yard?
Delivery typically costs $50-$150 depending on distance and material type. Many suppliers offer free delivery for orders over 5-10 cubic yards. Concrete delivery often includes a flat delivery fee ($50-$100) plus per-yard charges.
Can I fit a cubic yard in my pickup truck?
A full-size pickup bed holds about 2-3 cubic yards by volume, but weight is the limiting factor. Most pickups can safely carry 1 cubic yard of mulch (400-800 lbs) or topsoil (2,000 lbs), but only 1/2 cubic yard of gravel or sand due to their heavier weight.
How do you calculate cubic yards for irregular shapes?
Break irregular shapes into smaller rectangles and triangles. Calculate each section separately using length × width × depth ÷ 27, then add the results together. For curved areas, use the circular calculator mode with the diameter and depth.
What's the rule of 27 for cubic yards?
The rule of 27 states that you divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards (and multiply cubic yards by 27 to get cubic feet). This works because 1 yard = 3 feet, and 3³ (3×3×3) = 27. It's the fundamental conversion for all cubic yard calculations.
How much does a dump truck hold in cubic yards?
A standard single-axle dump truck holds 10-14 cubic yards. A tri-axle dump truck holds 15-20 cubic yards. Small dump trucks or "bobcat" trucks hold 5-8 cubic yards. Weight limits may reduce capacity for heavy materials like concrete or gravel.
Do I need to be home for bulk material delivery?
Not always. Most suppliers can dump materials in your driveway without you present if you mark the exact delivery spot clearly and ensure vehicle access. However, for ready-mix concrete, you must be present as it requires immediate placement and finishing.
Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian | PhD from Yale
Dr. Lawrence is a published mathematical historian with a PhD from Yale University. She ensures mathematical precision and accuracy in all our calculations, conversions, and academic score calculators. Her expertise spans computational mathematics and educational assessment.
View LinkedIn Profile