Construction Calculators
Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate cubic yards from length, width, and depth for gravel, sand, concrete, mulch, topsoil, fill, and other bulk materials.
Project volume
Use this cubic yard calculator to estimate volume from length, width, and depth for gravel, sand, concrete, mulch, topsoil, fill dirt, and other bulk materials.
Depth presets
Use 0 if you do not want extra material.
Leave blank if you only need volume.
Overage presets
Material note
Cubic yards measure volume, not weight. Use supplier guidance for density, compaction, and delivery minimums.
Enter dimensions to calculate cubic yards for gravel, sand, concrete, mulch, topsoil, fill, and other bulk materials.
The result will show cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters, overage, and optional cost.
Cubic yard formula
Cubic feet = length x width x depth.
Cubic yards = cubic feet / 27.
Cubic meters = cubic feet / 35.3147.
Circle volume = pi x radius squared x depth.
Total with overage = volume x (1 + overage % / 100).
Cost = total volume x selected price unit.
Convert depth to feet before calculating cubic feet. Cubic yards are a volume measure, not a weight measure.
Worked examples
A 10 ft x 10 ft area at 3 inches deep uses 0.25 ft depth. Cubic feet = 10 x 10 x 0.25 = 25. Cubic yards = 25 / 27 = 0.93 cu yd.
A 20 ft x 40 ft driveway at 4 inches deep is about 266.67 cu ft, or 9.88 cu yd. With 10% overage, order about 10.86 cu yd.
A round area with a 10 ft diameter at 2 inches deep has about 78.54 sq ft of area, 13.09 cu ft of volume, and 0.49 cu yd.
Common mistakes
- Using inches as feet for depth.
- Confusing square feet with cubic feet.
- Forgetting depth when moving from area to volume.
- Skipping overage for uneven ground, compaction, or material loss.
- Assuming cubic yards and tons are the same.
- Rounding too early before adding overage.
- Ignoring compaction or uneven ground.
Use material-specific calculators when needed
This calculator is the volume hub. If you also need tons, bags, density, or material-specific assumptions, use the Gravel Calculator, Sand Calculator, Concrete Calculator, or Concrete Bags Calculator.
Quick answers
What this calculator answers
- Result: Calculate cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters from dimensions or known volume.
- Formula: Cubic yards = cubic feet / 27. For rectangle projects, cubic feet = length x width x depth.
- Best use: Use it for gravel, sand, concrete, mulch, topsoil, fill dirt, and other materials ordered by volume. volume planning guide
Transparency note
Accuracy and limitations
Calzivo tools are built for practical estimates, conversions, and checks. Some tools use standard formulas or simplified assumptions, and results can be affected by input accuracy, rounding, units, local rules, or changing official requirements.
Construction estimates can vary with site conditions, waste, compaction, product coverage, local requirements, and measurement accuracy. Verify material orders before purchasing.
How to Use This Tool
Use these steps to enter the right inputs and interpret the result correctly.
Choose the shape or volume mode that matches your project.
Enter dimensions and convert depth to the right unit, or use a depth preset.
Add optional overage and cost if you want an ordering estimate.
Review cubic yards with cubic feet and cubic meters before ordering material.
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Related Guides
Background reading and explanations related to Cubic Yard Calculator.
Gravel Driveway Depth and Overage Guide
Use practical depth ranges and overage planning to avoid under-ordering gravel for driveways and base layers.
Square Feet to Cubic Yards Explained
Learn how area and depth turn into cubic yards for gravel, sand, and concrete planning.
Concrete Bags vs Cubic Yards Explained
Understand when bag counts make sense and when cubic yards are better for concrete planning.
DIY Renovation Calculations (Estimate Materials & Costs Correctly)
Tips for measuring your space accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cubic Yard Calculator and how to read the result.
How do I calculate cubic yards?
Find cubic feet first, then divide by 27. For a rectangle, cubic feet = length x width x depth.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard.
How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?
Multiply square feet by depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27.
Why do I need depth to calculate cubic yards?
Cubic yards measure volume. Depth turns a flat area into a three-dimensional amount.
Is a cubic yard the same as a ton?
No. A cubic yard measures volume. A ton measures weight, which depends on material density and moisture.
Should I add extra material for waste or compaction?
Often yes. Overage can help cover uneven ground, compaction, spreading loss, and ordering margin.
Can I use this for gravel, sand, concrete, mulch, and topsoil?
Yes, use it for volume estimates. Use material-specific calculators when you also need tons, bags, or density assumptions.