Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate volume, weight, and material costs for concrete, soil, mulch, and more.
Total Required Volume
Volume Conversions
| Cubic Feet | 0 ft³ |
| Cubic Meters | 0 m³ |
| Coverage Area | 0 sq ft |
Weight & Order Info
| Estimated Weight | -- |
| Metric Weight | -- |
| Waste Buffer Included | 5% |
Cubic Yard Calculator Guide
A cubic yard is the standard unit of volume measurement for aggregate materials like topsoil, gravel, mulch, and concrete. One cubic yard is equal to 27 cubic feet (3ft x 3ft x 3ft). Knowing the exact yardage prevents you from overpaying for material you don't need or halting a project because you ran short.
How to Calculate Cubic Yards
The basic formula depends on the shape of your project:
Circle: (π × Radius² × Depth) ÷ 27
Triangle: (0.5 × Base × Height × Depth) ÷ 27
Important: All dimensions must be in feet before multiplying. If your depth is in inches, you must divide it by 12 first.
Common Material Weights (Density)
While cubic yards measure volume, many suppliers sell by the ton. The weight depends heavily on the material density and moisture content:
- Topsoil: ~2,100 lbs per yard (approx 1 ton).
- Gravel/Stone: ~2,800 lbs per yard (approx 1.4 tons).
- Concrete: ~4,000 lbs per yard (approx 2 tons).
- Mulch: ~600-800 lbs per yard (very light).
Example Calculation
Let's say you are pouring a concrete patio that is 12 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 4 inches thick.
- Convert depth to feet: 4 inches ÷ 12 = 0.33 feet.
- Calculate cubic feet: 12 × 10 × 0.33 = 39.6 ft³.
- Convert to yards: 39.6 ÷ 27 = 1.47 yd³.
- Add waste (10%): 1.47 × 1.10 = 1.62 yd³.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wheelbarrows in a cubic yard?
A standard construction wheelbarrow holds about 3 cubic feet. Therefore, it takes approximately 9 wheelbarrow loads to move 1 cubic yard of material.
Should I buy by the ton or the yard?
Mulch and concrete are almost always sold by the cubic yard. Gravel, sand, and stone are often sold by the ton. Use the "Material" selector in this tool to estimate the tonnage you need based on the volume.
Why do I need a waste factor?
Ground surfaces are rarely perfectly level. Excavation can vary by an inch or two, and spilling occurs during transport. We recommend 5% for simple shapes and 10% for curves or irregular depths.