When tackling landscaping, gardening, or construction projects, one of the most common questions people face is: How many cubic yards do I need? Whether you’re ordering mulch, gravel, soil, or concrete, knowing the exact quantity is essential to avoid overbuying or underestimating your materials.
To make this process simple, we created a Cubic Yard Calculator that does all the math for you. Instead of struggling with formulas or making rough guesses, you can instantly find out how many cubic yards your project requires by entering just three measurements: length, width, and depth.
Cubic Yard Calculator
hat is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard is a unit of volume equal to a cube that measures 3 feet long × 3 feet wide × 3 feet high. That means one cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet.
For example:
- If you have a space that’s 9 ft long, 3 ft wide, and 1 ft deep, that equals 27 cubic feet, which is 1 cubic yard.
Cubic yards are commonly used in:
- Landscaping – for mulch, soil, gravel, or sand.
- Construction – for concrete, asphalt, or fill material.
- Gardening – for compost, topsoil, or planting mix.
Knowing the volume in cubic yards ensures you order the correct material quantity without waste.
Why Use a Cubic Yard Calculator?
Calculating cubic yards by hand requires converting inches to feet, multiplying dimensions, and dividing by 27. This can be confusing, especially when working with uneven numbers.
Our calculator eliminates this complexity. It helps you:
- Save time – instant calculations with a click.
- Reduce errors – no manual math mistakes.
- Plan accurately – order just the right amount of material.
- Avoid waste – save money by preventing over-ordering.
How to Use the Cubic Yard Calculator
Using the calculator is straightforward:
- Enter the Length (in feet) – Measure the length of the area you want to cover.
- Enter the Width (in feet) – Measure the width of the same area.
- Enter the Depth (in inches) – Measure how deep you want the material to be.
- Click "Calculate" – The tool will instantly display the required cubic yards.
- Click "Reset" if you want to clear the inputs and start over.
The calculator automatically converts inches to feet, multiplies length × width × depth, and divides by 27 to give you cubic yards.
Example Calculations
Here are some real-world examples to understand how this tool helps:
Example 1: Mulch for a Garden Bed
- Garden bed length: 12 ft
- Width: 6 ft
- Depth: 3 inches
Calculation:
- Depth in feet = 3 ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft
- Cubic feet = 12 × 6 × 0.25 = 18 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 18 ÷ 27 = 0.67 cu yd
👉 You’ll need about 0.67 cubic yards of mulch.
Example 2: Concrete for a Slab
- Slab length: 20 ft
- Width: 10 ft
- Depth: 4 inches
Calculation:
- Depth in feet = 4 ÷ 12 = 0.33 ft
- Cubic feet = 20 × 10 × 0.33 = 66 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 66 ÷ 27 = 2.44 cu yd
👉 You’ll need about 2.5 cubic yards of concrete.
Example 3: Soil for a Raised Bed
- Raised bed length: 8 ft
- Width: 4 ft
- Depth: 12 inches (1 ft)
Calculation:
- Depth in feet = 12 ÷ 12 = 1 ft
- Cubic feet = 8 × 4 × 1 = 32 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 32 ÷ 27 = 1.18 cu yd
👉 You’ll need about 1.2 cubic yards of soil.
Benefits of Using This Tool
- Works instantly in your browser
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Handles inches and feet seamlessly
- Useful for homeowners, landscapers, contractors, and gardeners
- Helps with budgeting and ordering materials accurately
Tips for Accurate Measurements
- Always measure the length and width in feet using a tape measure.
- Take multiple measurements if the area is uneven and use the average.
- Convert all depths into inches before entering them.
- Round up cubic yards when ordering, since suppliers often sell in full yards.
Common Applications
- Mulch coverage for gardens and flower beds
- Soil calculation for raised beds and lawns
- Gravel and sand estimation for driveways or walkways
- Concrete calculation for slabs, patios, and footings
- Compost and fill dirt for landscaping projects
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is a cubic yard?
A cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, measuring 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft.
Q2: Why are materials sold in cubic yards?
Because cubic yards are a standard measurement for large volumes of bulk materials like soil, mulch, and concrete.
Q3: How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide cubic feet by 27. Example: 54 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 2 cubic yards.
Q4: How do I measure depth correctly?
Measure depth in inches and enter it into the calculator. It automatically converts to feet.
Q5: Can I use this calculator for concrete?
Yes, it works perfectly for concrete slabs, footings, and driveways.
Q6: How many cubic yards fit in a pickup truck?
A standard pickup bed holds about 1–2 cubic yards, depending on material weight.
Q7: What if my area is circular?
Measure the diameter, calculate the radius, and use the formula π × r² × depth. Then enter that result in cubic feet into the calculator.
Q8: Should I round up when ordering materials?
Yes, always round up slightly to account for compaction and irregular surfaces.
Q9: Can I use the calculator for gravel?
Yes, it’s commonly used for gravel driveways and walkways.
Q10: How deep should mulch be applied?
Generally 2–3 inches is recommended for garden beds.
Q11: How many cubic yards are in a ton?
It depends on the material. For example, 1 ton of gravel = about 0.66 cubic yards.
Q12: Is the calculator accurate for irregular areas?
It gives an estimate; for irregular shapes, measure sections separately and add results.
Q13: How many cubic yards do I need for a 10x10 area, 3 inches deep?
10 × 10 × 0.25 = 25 cu ft → 25 ÷ 27 = 0.93 cu yd.
Q14: Can this be used for compost?
Yes, it works for any bulk material measured in cubic yards.
Q15: How many wheelbarrows are in a cubic yard?
On average, 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet = about 14 wheelbarrow loads (2 cu ft each).
Q16: Does soil settle after delivery?
Yes, soil and mulch can settle by 10–20%, so order a bit extra.
Q17: Can I calculate for multiple areas?
Yes, calculate each area separately, then add the cubic yards together.
Q18: What’s the formula for cubic yards?
Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27.
Q19: What materials are measured in cubic yards?
Mulch, soil, gravel, sand, concrete, compost, and asphalt.
Q20: Is this calculator free to use?
Yes, it’s 100% free and available online anytime.
Final Thoughts
The Cubic Yard Calculator is an essential tool for homeowners, landscapers, and contractors who need accurate material estimates. Instead of wasting time on manual calculations or risking wrong orders, this tool simplifies the process in seconds.