Convert to Cubic Yards
Calculate cubic yards from length, width, and depth. Essential for ordering concrete, mulch, gravel, topsoil, and fill dirt.
The Cubic Yard Formula
Cubic yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27. The "÷ 27" converts cubic feet to cubic yards (there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard — 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft). When depth is measured in inches, divide by 12 first to convert to feet.
Common Material Quantities
1 cubic yard equals: approximately 1.5 tons of gravel or stone, 1.1 tons of topsoil, 1 ton of sand, or about 45 bags of 80-lb concrete mix. For mulch, 1 cubic yard covers 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep or 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep.
Ordering Tips
Landscape suppliers sell by the cubic yard. Concrete companies sell by the cubic yard (minimum order usually 1-3 yards). Always order 5-10% more than calculated — running short on material mid-project is far worse than having a small surplus. Most suppliers cannot take back opened bags or unused bulk material.
A cubic yard is larger than most people imagine — it is a 3×3×3 foot cube. One cubic yard of topsoil weighs about 2,200 lbs and fills a standard pickup truck bed (slightly heaping). Two yards will max out most half-ton trucks.
