Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate volumes and weights for various materials with precision
Common Material Densities
Approximate weight per cubic yard (in pounds)
| Material | Density (lbs/cu yd) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Topsoil | 2,000 - 2,700 | Loose topsoil, can vary with moisture |
| Sand | 2,600 - 3,000 | Dry to damp sand |
| Gravel | 2,700 - 3,000 | Varies by stone size and type |
| Concrete | 3,900 - 4,200 | Standard reinforced concrete |
| Mulch | 400 - 800 | Varies by material and moisture |
What is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard is a unit of volume measurement equal to a cube that is one yard (3 feet) wide, one yard deep, and one yard high. It is commonly used in construction, landscaping, and material estimation for soil, gravel, concrete, asphalt, mulch, and more. Knowing how to calculate cubic yards ensures you order the right amount of material for your project—saving both money and time.
How to Use the Cubic Yard Calculator
Our online cubic yard calculator makes it simple to determine volume for different shapes. Just enter the required dimensions, select your unit of measurement, and get instant results. Here’s how:
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Step 1: Choose your shape (rectangular, circular, or irregular).
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Step 2: Input length, width, and depth in feet, inches, or meters.
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Step 3: Click “Calculate” to instantly see results in cubic yards.
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Step 4: Use results to estimate how much material you need to order.
Why Accurate Cubic Yard Calculation Matters
Using an accurate cubic yard calculator prevents over-ordering or under-ordering of materials. For example:
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Concrete: 1 cubic yard covers approximately 27 cubic feet.
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Asphalt: Cubic yard calculations help in paving driveways and parking lots.
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Soil & Mulch: Landscaping projects require precise yardage for even coverage.
Applications of the Cubic Yard Calculator
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Concrete Projects: Slabs, footings, and foundations.
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Asphalt Paving: Driveways, walkways, and road projects.
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Gravel & Sand: Estimating volume for base layers and landscaping.
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Topsoil & Mulch: Gardening and yard leveling.
Quick Conversion Guide
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1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
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1 cubic yard ≈ 0.7646 cubic meters
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1 cubic yard = 202 gallons (approx.)
Related Calculators
Try our other helpful tools:
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Asphalt Calculator: https://asphaltcalcapp.com/asphalt-calculator/
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Concrete Calculator: https://asphaltcalcapp.com/concrete-calculator/
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Rebar Calculator: https://asphaltcalcapp.com/rebar-calculator/
Authoritative References
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US Department of Transportation – Standard Volume Conversions: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/
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Concrete Network – Cubic Yard Measurements: https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/cubic-yard-calculator/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft).
How many cubic yards are in a ton?
The answer depends on material density. For example, 1 cubic yard of gravel weighs about 2,800 lbs (≈1.4 tons), while 1 cubic yard of mulch weighs about 500 lbs (≈0.25 tons).
How do I calculate cubic yards manually?
Multiply length × width × depth (in feet), then divide by 27. Example: 10 ft × 10 ft × 3 ft = 300 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 11.11 cubic yards.
What is the easiest way to calculate cubic yards?
The easiest way is to use our free cubic yard calculator. Just enter your length, width, and depth, and the tool instantly converts your measurements into cubic yards.