When planning a landscaping, gardening, or construction project, one of the most common challenges is figuring out how much dirt, soil, mulch, or gravel you need. Ordering too much can waste money, while ordering too little delays your project. That’s where a Cubic Yards of Dirt Calculator becomes incredibly useful.

This simple online tool helps you quickly determine how many cubic yards and cubic feet of material you need by entering just three values: length, width, and depth of the area you want to fill.

hat is a Cubic Yard?

A cubic yard is a standard unit of volume commonly used in landscaping and construction.

• 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
• Think of it as a cube measuring 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet deep.
• It’s the most common way bulk materials like dirt, mulch, gravel, and concrete are sold.

Knowing how to convert from cubic feet or inches to cubic yards is key to ordering the right amount.

How the Cubic Yard Calculator Works

The calculator uses a straightforward formula:

1. Input measurements in feet for length and width, and inches for depth.
2. The tool converts depth from inches to feet (since 12 inches = 1 foot).
3. It calculates cubic feet by multiplying: Cubic Feet = Length × Width × Depth (in feet)
4. It then converts cubic feet into cubic yards: Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
5. The result shows both cubic feet and cubic yards instantly.

How to Use the Cubic Yards of Dirt Calculator

Using the tool is very simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Enter the length of your area in feet (for example, 12 ft).
2. Enter the width of your area in feet (for example, 8 ft).
3. Enter the depth in inches (for example, 6 inches).
4. Click “Calculate”.
5. The tool will display:
   • Total Cubic Yards required
   • Total Cubic Feet required
6. If you want to start over, simply click “Reset”.

Example Calculation

Let’s say you’re filling a raised garden bed:

• Length = 10 ft
• Width = 4 ft
• Depth = 12 inches (1 foot)

1. Convert depth to feet: 12 ÷ 12 = 1 ft
2. Calculate cubic feet: 10 × 4 × 1 = 40 cubic feet
3. Convert to cubic yards: 40 ÷ 27 ≈ 1.48 cubic yards

👉 You would need about 1.5 cubic yards of soil to fill this bed.

Benefits of Using a Cubic Yard Calculator

• ✅ Saves Money – Order the exact amount of material you need.
• ✅ Prevents Waste – Avoid paying for extra dirt or gravel that sits unused.
• ✅ Speeds Up Projects – Get accurate measurements quickly.
• ✅ User-Friendly – No complicated formulas to memorize.
• ✅ Works for Multiple Materials – Use it for dirt, gravel, mulch, sand, topsoil, and concrete.

Common Uses of the Calculator

1. Landscaping Projects – Estimating soil for flower beds, lawns, or raised gardens.
2. Construction Work – Ordering gravel, sand, or crushed stone for foundations.
3. Mulching – Covering large areas around trees or pathways.
4. Concrete Pouring – Calculating how much concrete mix is needed.
5. DIY Home Projects – Small yard leveling or patio preparation.

Tips for Accurate Measurements

• Always measure length and width in feet.
• Measure depth in inches, then let the calculator do the conversion.
• Round up to the nearest quarter yard when ordering materials (most suppliers sell in 0.25-yard increments).
• Add about 5–10% extra material to account for settling or spillage.

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a cubic yard of dirt?
A cubic yard is a volume measurement equal to a cube 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet deep, or 27 cubic feet.

2. How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard.

3. Why is dirt sold by the cubic yard?
Because dirt, mulch, gravel, and other bulk materials are easier to transport and measure in larger units.

4. How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Simply divide cubic feet by 27.

5. How many cubic yards are in a dump truck?
A standard dump truck holds between 10–14 cubic yards of material.

6. How do I measure depth for the calculator?
Measure depth in inches, then input it directly into the tool.

7. Can I use this calculator for gravel or mulch?
Yes, it works for dirt, soil, mulch, gravel, sand, and even concrete.

8. How much does 1 cubic yard of dirt weigh?
On average, 1 cubic yard of dirt weighs about 2,000 lbs (1 ton), depending on moisture.

9. How much does 1 cubic yard of mulch weigh?
Mulch is lighter and typically weighs 400–800 lbs per cubic yard.

10. How do I calculate soil for a raised garden bed?
Measure the inside length, width, and depth of the bed, then use the calculator.

11. Is it better to order extra material?
Yes, order about 5–10% more to allow for settling and spillage.

12. How accurate is this calculator?
It provides highly accurate results if you input correct measurements.

13. Can I calculate for irregular shapes?
Yes, break the area into smaller rectangles, calculate each, then add them together.

14. What if my area is circular?
Use the formula: π × radius² × depth (then convert to cubic yards).

15. How many cubic yards do I need for 100 square feet at 3 inches deep?
100 sq ft × 0.25 ft (3 inches) = 25 cubic feet → 25 ÷ 27 ≈ 0.93 cubic yards.

16. How do I measure depth for gravel driveways?
Gravel driveways typically use 4–6 inches depth, measured evenly across the area.

17. Can I use this tool on mobile?
Yes, the calculator is mobile-friendly and works on all devices.

18. What if I enter zero or negative values?
The calculator will prompt you to enter valid positive numbers.

19. How do I reset the calculator?
Click the “Reset” button, and all fields will clear instantly.

20. Is this tool free to use?
Yes, the cubic yard calculator is completely free and available online.

Final Thoughts

A Cubic Yards of Dirt Calculator is a must-have tool for homeowners, landscapers, and contractors. By entering just length, width, and depth, you can quickly determine how much soil, gravel, mulch, or sand your project requires.

Instead of second-guessing and wasting time or money, use this free calculator to make your work faster, easier, and more cost-effective.