Cubic Yard
Calculate cubic yards and cubic feet from length, width, and depth in feet. Free online construction calculator with cost estimation for concrete, gravel, mulch, and excavation projects.
About This Calculator
This free cubic yard calculator helps contractors, landscapers, builders, and DIY homeowners estimate the exact volume of material needed for any construction or landscaping project. Simply enter the length, width, and depth in feet, along with an optional price per cubic yard, to get instant results for volume in cubic feet and cubic yards along with the total material cost.
The calculator uses the standard formula: Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft). It then converts to cubic yards by dividing by 27, since one cubic yard equals exactly 27 cubic feet. The total cost is calculated by multiplying the cubic yardage by the price per cubic yard entered by the user. Understanding cubic yardage is essential for ordering the right amount of concrete, gravel, topsoil, mulch, sand, or fill dirt without over-ordering and wasting money.
Regional Notes
United States: Cubic yards are the standard unit for bulk construction materials. Ready-mix concrete costs $100-150 per cubic yard delivered, gravel costs $30-60 per cubic yard, topsoil costs $15-40 per cubic yard, and mulch costs $20-50 per cubic yard. Always order 5-10% extra to account for compaction and waste.
India: Construction materials are typically measured in cubic meters rather than cubic yards. One cubic meter equals approximately 1.308 cubic yards. Ready-mix concrete costs ₹4,000-7,000 per cubic meter. Sand costs ₹1,500-3,000 per cubic meter, and gravel costs ₹1,500-2,500 per cubic meter. For smaller projects, materials are often purchased by weight or in truckloads.
UK: Construction materials in the UK are measured in cubic metres. One cubic metre equals 1.308 cubic yards. Ready-mix concrete costs £80-130 per cubic metre, gravel costs £40-80 per cubic metre, and topsoil costs £20-50 per cubic metre. Builders' merchants sell materials by the tonne or bulk bag for smaller projects.
Whether you are pouring a concrete slab, laying a gravel driveway, spreading mulch in a garden bed, or calculating excavation volume for a foundation, this cubic yard calculator provides the accurate measurements you need to plan and budget your project effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate cubic yards from feet?
To calculate cubic yards from feet, multiply length × width × depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. For example, a 10 ft × 10 ft area at 1 ft deep contains 100 cubic feet or approximately 3.70 cubic yards.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. This is because a yard equals 3 feet, so a cubic yard (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft) equals 27 cubic feet. To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, divide by 27.
How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?
A cubic yard of concrete weighs approximately 4,000 pounds or about 2 tons. Standard concrete has a density of about 150 pounds per cubic foot. Lightweight concrete weighs around 2,700-3,000 pounds per cubic yard, while high-density concrete can exceed 5,000 pounds.
How many bags of concrete do I need for one cubic yard?
A 60 lb bag of concrete mix yields about 0.45 cubic feet, so you need approximately 60 bags per cubic yard. An 80 lb bag yields about 0.60 cubic feet, so you need about 45 bags per cubic yard. Always add 5-10% extra for waste and spillage.
How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?
To convert square feet to cubic yards, multiply the area in square feet by the depth in feet, then divide by 27. For example, 100 square feet at 0.5 ft deep (6 inches) equals 50 cubic feet, which is approximately 1.85 cubic yards.
What is a cubic yard used for in construction?
Cubic yards are the standard unit for measuring and ordering bulk materials in construction and landscaping. Common uses include concrete for slabs and footings, gravel for driveways and paths, topsoil for gardens, mulch for landscaping, sand for mortar and leveling, and excavation volume for trenches and foundations.
How much does a cubic yard of fill dirt, gravel, or sand weigh?
A cubic yard of fill dirt weighs about 2,000-2,700 pounds (1-1.35 tons). Gravel weighs approximately 2,800-3,400 pounds per cubic yard (1.4-1.7 tons). Sand weighs about 2,600-3,000 pounds per cubic yard (1.3-1.5 tons). Weight varies by moisture content and material density.
How do I estimate cubic yards for a circular area?
For a circular area, first measure the radius (half the diameter). Calculate the area using πr², multiply by the depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. For example, a 10 ft diameter circle (5 ft radius) at 1 ft deep = 3.14 × 25 × 1 = 78.5 cubic feet, which is about 2.91 cubic yards.