Cubic Yard Calculator
Cubic Feet
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Cubic Yards
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Cubic Meters
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Estimated Tons (gravel)
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How to Calculate Cubic Yards for Bulk Materials
A cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet) and is the standard unit for ordering bulk landscape materials, concrete, and fill dirt in the United States. According to the Concrete Network, ready-mix concrete costs $130 to $200 per cubic yard in most US markets, making accurate volume calculations essential for budgeting. This calculator converts your project dimensions into cubic yards so you can accurately order materials from suppliers. Whether you need gravel for a driveway (use our gravel calculator for specific recommendations), topsoil for a garden, concrete for a patio slab (see the concrete calculator), or mulch for flower beds (try the mulch calculator), knowing the exact cubic yardage prevents both costly overordering and project-delaying shortages.
The formula is: length (feet) x width (feet) x depth (feet) / 27 = cubic yards. When depth is given in inches (as it often is for gravel, mulch, and soil), convert to feet by dividing by 12 before applying the formula. For example, a driveway 30 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 4 inches deep of gravel needs: 30 x 10 x 0.333 / 27 = 3.7 cubic yards. Always round up to the nearest half yard when ordering and add 10 to 15% for compaction, waste, and uneven ground.
Material Weight per Cubic Yard
Different materials have dramatically different weights per cubic yard, which affects delivery costs, truck load limits, and how much manual effort is required to spread them. The table below provides approximate weights for common bulk materials. These weights assume typical moisture content -- wet materials can weigh 10 to 30% more.
| Material | Weight per Cubic Yard (lbs) | Tons per Cubic Yard | Typical Cost per Yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed gravel (3/4") | 2,800 | 1.40 | $30-$55 |
| Pea gravel | 2,600 | 1.30 | $35-$60 |
| Crushed limestone | 2,700 | 1.35 | $30-$50 |
| River rock | 2,700 | 1.35 | $40-$80 |
| Sand (dry) | 2,700 | 1.35 | $25-$45 |
| Topsoil (dry) | 2,000 | 1.00 | $20-$45 |
| Topsoil (wet) | 2,700 | 1.35 | $20-$45 |
| Compost | 1,000-1,600 | 0.50-0.80 | $25-$50 |
| Mulch (wood chips) | 400-800 | 0.20-0.40 | $20-$45 |
| Bark mulch | 500-900 | 0.25-0.45 | $25-$50 |
| Concrete (wet/mixed) | 3,800-4,000 | 1.90-2.00 | $130-$200 |
| Asphalt (hot mix) | 3,600 | 1.80 | $100-$180 |
| Fill dirt | 2,000-2,600 | 1.00-1.30 | $10-$30 |
| Clay soil | 2,500-3,000 | 1.25-1.50 | $15-$35 |
Compaction Factors and Why You Need Extra Material
Different materials compact at different rates, meaning the volume you order in loose form settles down once placed and compacted. Gravel compacts approximately 15% -- if you need 10 cubic yards of compacted gravel, order 11.5 to 12 cubic yards. Topsoil compacts about 10%, so a 10-yard order produces about 9 yards after settling. Mulch experiences the most dramatic change, settling 20 to 30% in the first season as it decomposes and packs down under its own weight and rainfall. Concrete does not compact (it is already in a fluid state when poured), but always order 5 to 10% extra to account for uneven subgrade, form imperfections, and spillage.
The ground itself also affects how much material you need. Perfectly flat, smooth surfaces require exactly the calculated amount, but real-world conditions are rarely perfect. Uneven terrain with dips and high spots can increase material needs by 10 to 20%. For areas that have been freshly graded, the loose soil may settle and create low spots that absorb additional material. If spreading gravel over bare soil without a geotextile fabric barrier, some gravel will sink into the soil over time, requiring periodic top-off additions.
Delivery Logistics and Truck Capacities
Delivery logistics directly impact your project budget. A standard single-axle dump truck holds 5 to 8 cubic yards, a tandem-axle holds 10 to 14 cubic yards, and a tri-axle holds 14 to 18 cubic yards. However, the truck's weight capacity may be the limiting factor for heavy materials. A tandem dump truck typically has a 26,000-pound payload limit, which means it can haul about 9 cubic yards of gravel at 2,800 pounds per yard, even though its bed volume could hold 14 cubic yards of lighter material like mulch.
Most landscape supply companies charge a flat delivery fee of $50 to $150 per load, regardless of how much material is on the truck. This makes it significantly more economical to order full truckloads rather than multiple smaller deliveries. If your project needs 14 cubic yards of mulch and 5 cubic yards of gravel, scheduling them in separate full loads costs two delivery fees. Some suppliers offer free delivery for orders above a minimum quantity, typically 5 to 10 yards.
For concrete specifically, a standard ready-mix truck holds 8 to 10 cubic yards. Most plants charge a short-load fee of $40 to $60 per cubic yard for orders under their minimum (usually 4 to 5 yards). This means ordering 3 cubic yards of concrete might cost as much per yard as ordering 6, once the short-load surcharge is added. Concrete begins setting within 60 to 90 minutes of batching, so plan your pour logistics carefully -- have sufficient crew, tools, and forms ready before the truck arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate cubic yards?
Multiply length x width x depth (all in feet) and divide by 27. For example, a driveway 30 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 4 inches (0.333 feet) deep needs: 30 x 10 x 0.333 / 27 = 3.7 cubic yards of gravel. Always round up and add 10-15% for compaction and waste.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 2,800 pounds (1.4 tons). Crushed limestone is heavier at about 2,700-2,900 lbs. Pea gravel weighs around 2,600 lbs per cubic yard. River rock is heavier at 2,700-3,000 lbs depending on rock density and moisture content.
How many cubic yards fit in a dump truck?
A standard single-axle dump truck holds 5 to 8 cubic yards. A tandem axle dump truck holds 10 to 14 cubic yards. A tri-axle dump truck holds 14 to 18 cubic yards. The actual capacity depends on the material weight -- lighter materials like mulch fill more volume per load, while heavier materials like wet soil may reach the truck's weight limit before filling the bed.
How much does a cubic yard of concrete cost?
Ready-mix concrete costs $130 to $200 per cubic yard depending on the mix design, local market, and delivery distance. Most concrete plants charge a short-load fee of $40 to $60 per yard for orders under 4 to 5 cubic yards. A standard mixer truck holds 8 to 10 yards. For very small pours under 1 yard, pre-mixed bags (80 lbs each, about 45 bags per cubic yard) may be more practical. Our concrete calculator provides more detailed estimates for specific slab dimensions.
How many cubic yards of mulch do I need for my garden beds?
Measure the total area of your garden beds in square feet, then multiply by the desired depth in feet, and divide by 27. A standard mulch depth is 2 to 3 inches (0.167 to 0.25 feet). For example, 500 square feet of beds at 3 inches deep requires 500 x 0.25 / 27 = 4.6 cubic yards. Add 10% for settling and uneven application: approximately 5 cubic yards. Mulch settles 20-30% in the first year, so applying slightly more than calculated ensures adequate coverage through the season.
How do I convert between cubic yards and cubic feet?
One cubic yard equals exactly 27 cubic feet (3 x 3 x 3 = 27). To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, divide by 27. To convert cubic yards to cubic feet, multiply by 27. For example, 81 cubic feet equals 3 cubic yards. This conversion is necessary because room dimensions are typically measured in feet, but bulk materials are sold by the cubic yard. Use our cubic feet calculator to get volume from dimensions in feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.