Cubic yard formula
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27
A cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft, which is 27 cubic feet. Convert depth from inches by dividing by 12 first. A 10 × 10 ft area 4 inches deep is 33.3 cubic feet, or 1.23 cubic yards.
Coverage of one cubic yard
| Depth | Area covered |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft |
For tons by product, use the gravel, topsoil or sand calculators.
Cubic yards for common areas
Each cell is length times width times depth, divided by 27. Use it to sanity check the calculator, or to estimate before you measure.
| Area | 2 in deep | 3 in deep | 4 in deep | 6 in deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 × 5 ft | 0.15 | 0.23 | 0.31 | 0.46 |
| 10 × 10 ft | 0.62 | 0.93 | 1.23 | 1.85 |
| 10 × 20 ft | 1.23 | 1.85 | 2.47 | 3.70 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 2.47 | 3.70 | 4.94 | 7.41 |
| 20 × 30 ft | 3.70 | 5.56 | 7.41 | 11.11 |
| 40 × 50 ft | 12.35 | 18.52 | 24.69 | 37.04 |
Odd shapes
Split an odd shape into rectangles and circles, work out each cubic yard figure, and add them. A triangle is half of the rectangle that fits around it. For a full walk through, see how to calculate cubic yards. For a rough feel for the size, see how much a cubic yard is, and for metric and gallon conversions the conversion chart.
How many cubic feet are in a yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard, because a cubic yard measures 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft. Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards, or multiply cubic yards by 27 to get cubic feet. For example, 100 cubic feet is 3.7 cubic yards.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
27.
How do I convert cubic yards to tons?
Multiply by the material's weight per yard: about 1.4 for crushed stone, 1.0 for topsoil, 1.35 for sand and 2.0 for concrete.
How much does a pickup truck hold?
A full-size pickup bed holds about 2 cubic yards of mulch, but only about 1 cubic yard of gravel or soil because of the weight.
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide by 27. A pile of 81 cubic feet is 3 cubic yards.
How do I calculate cubic yards for a circle?
Use area = 3.1416 × radius squared, multiply by depth in feet and divide by 27. A round bed 10 ft across and 3 in deep is 78.5 × 0.25 ÷ 27 = 0.73 cubic yards.
Reference charts
- Concrete Bags per Cubic Yard
- Cubic Yard Conversion Chart
- How Much Is a Cubic Yard
- How to Calculate Cubic Yards
- Bags of Mulch per Cubic Yard
More landscape material calculators
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