Cubic Yards Calculator
Convert length, width and depth into cubic yards for mulch, soil, gravel or concrete, with cubic feet and cubic meters. Includes a 20 × 10 ft bed example.
Results
Cubic yards
- Cubic feet
- 66.67 ft³
- Cubic meters
- 1.888 m³
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Educational estimates · not financial advice · free, no signup
Formula / how it works
1 yd³ = 27 ft³ ≈ 0.7646 m³. Convert depth inches to feet, then L×W×H / 27.
Detailed guide
What it is, how to use it, how to read the numbers, common mistakes, a worked example, formulas, and FAQs.
What this calculator is
Landscape materials and concrete are sold by the cubic yard, but you measure in feet and inches. This calculator takes length and width in feet and depth in inches, converts depth to feet, multiplies for cubic feet and divides by 27 to get cubic yards. It is useful for ordering mulch, topsoil, gravel, sand and concrete. Add a margin for settling, uneven ground and spillage, and check with your supplier whether they sell by volume or weight, since density varies.
When to use / who it helps
- You are ordering mulch or soil for a bed.
- You are estimating gravel for a path.
- You are planning a concrete pour.
- You are comparing bagged and bulk prices.
- You need metric volume.
How to use
Steps
- Enter length in feet.
- Enter width in feet.
- Enter depth in inches.
- Read cubic yards.
- Read cubic feet and cubic meters.
- Add a small margin.
How to interpret results
- One cubic yard covers about 324 square feet at 1 inch deep.
- Doubling depth doubles the volume.
- Loose materials settle after delivery.
- Suppliers may convert yards to tons.
- Round up to the supplier's minimum.
Common mistakes & gotchas
- Entering depth in feet instead of inches.
- Forgetting to divide by 27.
- Using area only.
- Not adding margin.
- Mixing metric and feet.
Worked example
Worked example — a 20 ft × 10 ft bed, 4 inches deep
- Depth in feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.3333.
- Cubic feet: 20 × 10 × 0.3333 = 66.67 ft³.
- Cubic yards: 66.67 ÷ 27 = 2.469 yd³.
- Cubic meters: 2.469 × 0.7646 ≈ 1.888 m³; with a 10% margin order about 2.7 yd³.
Result: About 2.47 cubic yards, or 2.7 with a margin.
To load the form's own demo values, tap Try example above the Calculate button.
How to calculate / formula
1 yd³ = 27 ft³ ≈ 0.7646 m³. Convert depth inches to feet, then L×W×H / 27.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate cubic yards?
Multiply length, width and depth in feet, then divide by 27.
How much does a cubic yard of mulch cover?
About 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, or 108 at 3 inches.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
27.
Should I add extra?
Many people add 5–10% for settling and uneven ground.
How do I convert to tons?
Multiply by the material's density, which suppliers can provide.
Can I use this for concrete?
Yes, but concrete mixes also need waste allowances.