Cubic Yard Calculator

Estimating Material Quantities in Cubic Yards

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. This calculator converts your project dimensions into cubic yards so you can accurately order materials from suppliers. Whether you need gravel for a driveway, topsoil for a garden, concrete for a patio slab, or mulch for flower beds, knowing the cubic yardage prevents both costly overordering and project-delaying shortages.

To 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 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 10-15% for compaction and waste. Different materials compact differently: gravel compacts about 15%, topsoil about 10%, and mulch settles approximately 20% over the first season. Concrete is typically ordered in quarter-yard increments from ready-mix plants.

Delivery logistics matter when ordering by the cubic yard. A standard dump truck holds 10 to 14 cubic yards depending on the material weight -- heavier materials like wet topsoil or crushed stone fill fewer yards per load than lighter materials like mulch or dry sand. Most suppliers charge a delivery fee per load, so consolidating orders into full truckloads saves money. For concrete, a standard mixer truck holds 8 to 10 cubic yards, and most ready-mix companies charge a short-load fee for orders under 4 to 5 yards. Plan your pour carefully, as concrete begins setting within 60 to 90 minutes of batching.