How to calculate cubic yards
A cubic yard is a cube that is 3 ft long, 3 ft wide and 3 ft high, which is 27 cubic feet. To find the cubic yards in any space, work out its volume in cubic feet and divide by 27.
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27
Measure every side in feet first. If the depth is in inches, divide it by 12 (4 inches is 0.333 ft). If you prefer to stay in inches throughout, multiply length × width × depth in inches and divide by 46,656, the number of cubic inches in a cubic yard. For circles use π × radius² as the area, and for triangles use base × height ÷ 2, then multiply by the depth as before.
Example: a 12 ft × 12 ft slab, 4 inches thick
- Depth: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
- Volume: 12 × 12 × 0.333 = 48 cubic feet
- Cubic yards: 48 ÷ 27 = 1.778 cubic yards
Whatever you are buying, add a margin for spillage, uneven ground and settling. For most materials 5% to 10% extra is sensible; the calculator has an extra percentage field for it.
Common sizes in cubic yards
| Length × width | Depth | Cubic feet | Cubic yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 4 in | 33.33 | 1.235 |
| 10 × 10 ft | 6 in | 50 | 1.852 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 4 in | 48 | 1.778 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 4 in | 133.33 | 4.938 |
Cubic yard conversions
| Starting unit | Equals |
|---|---|
| 1 cubic yard | 27 cubic feet = 46,656 cubic inches = 0.7646 cubic meters |
| 1 cubic yard | 764.6 liters ≈ 202 US gallons |
| 1 cubic foot | 0.0370 cubic yards = 0.0283 cubic meters |
| 1 cubic meter | 1.308 cubic yards = 35.31 cubic feet |
Metric measurements work directly in the calculator: switch the units to metric and enter meters and centimeters. For example, 3 m × 3 m × 10 cm is 0.9 cubic meters, or 1.177 cubic yards.
From cubic yards to weight and bags
Cubic yards measure space, not weight. A cubic yard of gravel weighs about 1.4 tons, a cubic yard of topsoil about 1.1 tons, and mulch is much lighter and varies with moisture. To get tons and bag counts for a specific material, use the gravel calculator, the topsoil calculator or the mulch calculator. They use the same volume formula and add material-specific details. Planning a lawn? See the sod calculator and the grass seed calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, because a cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft.
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide the cubic feet by 27. For example, 100 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 3.70 cubic yards.
How many cubic yards is a 10 × 10 ft slab that is 4 inches thick?
It is 33.33 cubic feet, or 1.235 cubic yards. Add 5% to 10% if you are ordering concrete or fill so you do not come up short.
How do I calculate cubic yards for an irregular area?
Break the area into simple shapes such as rectangles, circles and triangles, calculate the cubic yards for each one, and add them together. Measuring slightly generously is better than coming up short.
How many 2 cubic foot bags make a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, which is 13.5 two-cubic-foot bags, so plan on 14 bags. A 1 cubic foot bag takes 27 bags, and a half-cubic-foot bag takes 54.
More free calculators
These calculators give estimates for planning only. Densities, bag sizes and coverage vary by supplier, so confirm quantities before you order.