Quick Answer
Cubic Yard Calculator Cubic Yard Calculator converts dimensions to volume by multiplying length × width × depth, then dividing by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards.
Typical result: A typical 20 ft × 10 ft area at 4 inches deep has a volume of about 2.47 cubic yards or 66.67 cubic feet.
Range: One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet or 0.765 cubic meters. Use for any rectangular volume calculation.
Depends on: length, width, and depth dimensions
How to Use This Cubic Yard Calculator
Enter the dimensions of the area you want to cover, or switch to Total area mode if you already know the square footage. Then enter the material thickness, choose a density preset or custom density, add a waste factor, and optionally enter a price per unit to estimate material cost.
- Select your input mode: dimensions (length × width) or total area.
- Enter your dimensions in feet, meters, inches, or centimeters.
- Enter the depth or thickness.
- Click Calculate to see volume in cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters.
- For material ordering, use material-specific calculators (concrete, gravel, sand) for tonnage and cost estimates.
Assumptions & Methodology
This calculator uses standard volumetric conversion for rectangular areas. Results are shown in cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters.
This is a generic volume calculator. It does not include material density, weight, bags, or cost calculations. For material-specific estimates, use the dedicated calculator for that material (concrete, gravel, sand, asphalt).
Results are exact volume with no waste factor. When ordering materials, add 5-10% to account for compaction, spillage, and irregular surfaces.
| Assumption | Default Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Volume unit | Cubic yards | Standard volume unit for material ordering in the US |
| Conversion factor | 27 cu ft = 1 cu yd | Standard volumetric conversion |
| Shape | Rectangular | Length × width × depth calculation |
| Waste factor | Not included | Add 5-10% when ordering materials |
| Material density | Not included | Use material-specific calculators for weight/tonnage |
Calculation Formula
Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)
Volume (cubic yards) = Volume (cubic feet) ÷ 27
Volume (cubic meters) = Volume (cubic feet) × 0.0283168
Example Estimate
A 20 ft by 10 ft area with 4 inches depth has a volume of 66.67 cubic feet.
Convert 4 inches to feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
Calculate volume: 20 ft × 10 ft × 0.333 ft = 66.67 cubic feet
Convert to cubic yards: 66.67 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards
The total material needed is about 2.47 cubic yards.
This is volume only. For material ordering (concrete, gravel, sand), use the material-specific calculator to get tonnage, bag counts, and cost estimates with waste factor included.
Quick Reference
| Cubic Yards | Cubic Feet | Cubic Meters |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 13.5 | 0.38 |
| 1 | 27 | 0.76 |
| 2 | 54 | 1.53 |
| 3 | 81 | 2.29 |
| 5 | 135 | 3.82 |
| 10 | 270 | 7.65 |
| Depth | Coverage per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | ~324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | ~162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | ~108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | ~81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | ~54 sq ft |
| 12 inches | ~27 sq ft |
| Material | Density (tons/yd³) | Use Calculator |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | ~1.8 | Concrete Calculator |
| Crushed stone / gravel | ~1.35 | Gravel Calculator |
| Sand | ~1.3 | Sand Calculator |
| Topsoil | ~1.0 | Topsoil Calculator (future) |
| Asphalt | ~1.35 | Asphalt Calculator |
What Affects Cost?
This calculator provides volume only. It does not include material cost estimation. Material costs vary by type, region, and supplier. For material cost estimates, use the dedicated calculator for your material.
This calculator does not perform cost calculations
The total installed cost typically includes:
- Volume only: This calculator measures volume, not cost
- Material type: Use concrete, gravel, or sand calculators for pricing
- Density: Different materials have different densities
- Supplier pricing: Contact local suppliers for material pricing
When to Use This Calculator
This calculator is ideal for generic volume calculations. For material-specific estimates, use dedicated calculators.
Use this calculator for
Generic volume measurements, excavation volume, planning total project volume, or when you need volume in multiple units (cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters).
Use material calculators for
Ordering concrete, gravel, sand, or asphalt. Material calculators include density, tonnage, bag counts, waste factors, and cost estimates specific to that material.
Volume Calculation Checklist
Before calculating volume, confirm these measurements and understand the limitations of this tool.
Measure length
in feet, meters, or inches
Measure width
in feet, meters, or inches
Measure depth
in feet, meters, inches, or centimeters
Shape
this calculator assumes rectangular areas
Material ordering
add 5-10% waste factor
Weight/tonnage
use material-specific calculators
Cubic Yard Calculator FAQ
How do I calculate cubic yards?
Multiply length × width × depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. This calculator handles all conversions automatically — just enter your dimensions in feet, inches, meters, or centimeters.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cu ft). This calculator converts automatically between cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters.
When should I use a cubic yard calculator?
Use this calculator when you need volume measurements without material-specific calculations (density, weight, bags). For material-specific estimates (concrete, gravel, sand, asphalt), use the dedicated calculator for that material.
What's the difference between this and material calculators?
This calculator provides volume only (cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters). Material calculators (concrete, gravel, sand) include density calculations, tonnage, bag counts, and material-specific pricing. Use this for generic volume, use material calculators for material ordering.
Can I use this for irregular shapes?
This calculator is designed for rectangular areas (length × width × depth). For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles, calculate each separately, and add the results. For circular or complex shapes, calculate the area first, then multiply by depth.
Do I need to add a waste factor?
This calculator provides exact volume only. If ordering materials, add 5-10% waste factor to account for compaction, spillage, and irregular surfaces. Material-specific calculators (concrete, gravel, sand) include built-in waste factor options.
How do I convert cubic yards to tons?
Cubic yards measure volume, tons measure weight. To convert, multiply cubic yards by material density (tons per cubic yard). Densities vary by material: concrete ~1.8 tons/yd³, gravel ~1.3 tons/yd³, sand ~1.3 tons/yd³, topsoil ~1.0 ton/yd³. Use material-specific calculators for automatic weight conversion.
Can I calculate volume for multiple areas at once?
Calculate each area separately using this calculator, then add the cubic yard results. For example, if you have three areas: Area 1 = 2.5 yd³, Area 2 = 1.8 yd³, Area 3 = 3.2 yd³, total = 7.5 yd³.
Calculation Methodology
This calculator uses standard volumetric conversion (1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet = 0.765 cubic meters). No waste factor or material density is included. This is a generic volume calculator only.
Reviewed by: Construction Tools Station Editorial Team
Last updated: June 2026