Cubic Yard Calculator
Quickly determine the exact volume of materials you need in cubic yards and estimate the total weight in tons based on material type.
How It Works & Formula
To find cubic yards, multiply the length (in feet) by the width (in feet) and by the depth (converted from inches to feet), then divide by 27 (since there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard).
Calculation Steps:
- 1Convert depth from inches to feet by dividing by 12.
- 2Multiply length, width, and depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet.
- 3Divide total cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards.
Example: 10ft × 12ft Concrete Patio, 4 inches deep
Given Parameters:
Step-by-Step Calculation:
- 1Convert depth to feet: 4 inches ÷ 12 = 0.333 feet
- 2Calculate square footage: 10 ft × 12 ft = 120 sq ft
- 3Calculate cubic feet: 120 sq ft × 0.333 ft = 40 cubic feet
- 4Convert to cubic yards: 40 ÷ 27 = 1.48 cubic yards
For a 10x12 patio that is 4 inches thick, you will need approximately 1.5 cubic yards of concrete. Since concrete typically weighs around 4,050 lbs per cubic yard, this would weigh about 3 tons.
Material Densities & Coverage Rates
Approximate weights per cubic yard for common landscaping and construction materials.
| Material | Weight per Cubic Yard (lbs) | Weight per Cubic Yard (tons) |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | 4,050 | 2.03 |
| Gravel (Loose) | 2,835 | 1.42 |
| Sand (Dry) | 2,700 | 1.35 |
| Topsoil | 2,025 | 1.01 |
| Mulch | 1,215 | 0.61 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate cubic yards for concrete?
Measure the length and width of your area in feet, and the depth in inches. Convert the depth to feet by dividing by 12, then multiply all three numbers to get cubic feet. Finally, divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards.
How many bags of concrete make a cubic yard?
It depends on the size of the bags. It takes forty-five 80 lb bags, sixty 60 lb bags, or ninety 40 lb bags to make one cubic yard of concrete.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of typical loose gravel weighs approximately 2,800 to 2,900 pounds, or about 1.4 tons. Compacting the gravel will increase the weight needed per cubic yard.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are exactly 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. Think of a box that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet deep (3 x 3 x 3 = 27).
How do I calculate cubic yards of mulch?
The formula is the same as any other material: Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft) divided by 27. Most people apply mulch at a depth of 2 to 3 inches.
How much does a dump truck load of dirt hold?
A standard dump truck typically holds between 10 to 14 cubic yards of dirt. A smaller pickup truck might only safely hold 1 to 2 cubic yards.
How many square feet does a cubic yard cover?
Coverage depends on depth. At 1 inch deep, one cubic yard covers 324 square feet. At 2 inches, it covers 162 sq ft; at 3 inches, 108 sq ft; and at 4 inches, 81 sq ft.
Is it better to order slightly more material than calculated?
Yes, it is highly recommended to order 5% to 10% more material than your calculated exact volume. This accounts for spillage, uneven subgrades, and settling.
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