Cubic Yard Calculator
Need to order bulk materials? Enter your project dimensions and get cubic yards, cubic feet, and estimated tonnage for gravel, soil, or mulch.
How to Calculate Cubic Yards
Cubic yards measure three-dimensional volume. Start with the area: length times width in feet. Then multiply by the depth. Since depth is usually given in inches, divide by 12 to convert to feet first.
The result is cubic feet. Divide that number by 27 to convert to cubic yards. For example, a 10 × 10 area with 4 inches of depth equals 10 × 10 × (4 ÷ 12) = 33.33 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get 1.23 cubic yards.
Suppliers round to the nearest quarter or half yard for delivery. If you calculate 1.23 yards, order 1.5 to avoid running short. Most materials compress slightly after spreading, so a bit of extra is wise.
Common Material Depths by Project Type
Mulch and decorative rock work best at 2 to 3 inches deep. That depth blocks weeds and retains moisture without smothering plants. Deeper layers waste money and can cause drainage problems.
Gravel driveways need 4 to 6 inches of base rock, topped with 2 to 3 inches of surface gravel. Total depth runs 6 to 9 inches depending on soil stability and traffic. Soft or clay soils may require even deeper bases.
Topsoil for new lawns or garden beds should be 4 to 6 inches deep to support root growth. Raised beds benefit from 8 to 12 inches of quality soil. Anything less and plants struggle in dry or hot weather.
Estimating Weight and Truck Capacity
Cubic yards tell you volume, but trucks and trailers have weight limits too. A cubic yard of mulch weighs 400 to 800 pounds. Topsoil runs 2,000 pounds per yard. Gravel and crushed stone hit 2,400 to 2,900 pounds.
A half-ton pickup can safely haul about half a yard of gravel or one yard of mulch. Full-size trucks handle a yard of gravel or two yards of lighter material. Overloading damages suspensions, tires, and brakes.
Delivery is often cheaper and safer for anything over 2 yards. Rental trucks and trailers work for mid-size loads if you have a capable tow vehicle. Always check the tongue weight and payload ratings before loading.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. Picture a cube 3 feet on each side: 3 × 3 × 3 = 27.
How much does a cubic yard weigh?
It depends on the material. Mulch weighs about 400 to 800 pounds per yard, topsoil 2,000 pounds, and gravel 2,400 to 2,900 pounds.
Why do suppliers use cubic yards?
Cubic yards are the standard for bulk materials in the US. Trucks, loaders, and bins are all sized in yards, making ordering and delivery consistent.
Can I convert cubic yards to tons?
Yes, but you need to know the material's density. Gravel averages 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Concrete is about 1.5 tons per yard. This calculator estimates tons for gravel and stone.
Do I measure depth in inches or feet?
This calculator accepts depth in inches because most material layers are just a few inches thick. Length and width stay in feet for consistency.