Cubic Yards Calculator

Real-time estimator for common shapes. Mix units freely.

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Cubic Yards

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Cubic Feet

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Cubic Meters

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Results update instantly as you type. We round only for display; internal math stays full precision.

How Estimating Cubic Yards Works

For all shapes we calculate the area in square feet, multiply by the depth (in feet), and get volume in cubic feet. We then convert to cubic yards by dividing by 27 (since 1 yd³ = 27 ft³) and to cubic meters using 1 ft³ ≈ 0.0283168466 m³.

Measure

Measure length/width/diameter and depth. You can mix units (in, ft, yds, mm, cm, m); the calculator converts them automatically.

Convert All of Your Measurements to Feet

The tool does this for you. If you prefer by hand: in→ft ÷12, yds→ft ×3, mm→ft ×0.00328084, cm→ft ×0.0328084, m→ft ×3.28084.

Calculate Cubic Yards

Volume (yd³) = Area (ft²) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 . For rectangles, area = L × W; for circles, area = π × (D/2)²; for triangles, area = ½ × base × height; for trapezoids, area = (a+b)/2 × width.

Converting Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards

Divide by 27. Example: 405 ft³ ÷ 27 = 15 yd³.

What is a Cubic Yard?

A cubic yard is the volume of a cube 1 yard on each side. It equals 27 cubic feet or about 0.7646 cubic meters.

How to Calculate Cubic Yards Using Feet and Inches

Convert inches to feet (in ÷ 12). Example: slab 12 ft × 18 ft × 4 in deep: depth = 4/12 = 0.333 ft, volume = 12×18×0.333 = 71.964 ft³ ≈ 2.665 yd³.

How to estimate a cubic yard?

As a quick rule, a pile roughly 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft is ≈1 yd³. For mulch/soil spreads, yd³ ≈ (sq ft × depth in inches) ÷ 324.

Why divide by 27 for cubic yards?

Because 1 yard is 3 feet, so 1 yd³ = 3×3×3 = 27 ft³.

How many cubic yards is 7×14×2?

Interpret as 7 ft × 14 ft × 2 in: yd³ = (7×14×2/12) ÷ 27 ≈ 0.60 yd³.

What is the formula for estimating concrete in cubic yards?

For a slab: yd³ = (L × W × depth(ft)) ÷ 27. Add 5–10% for waste depending on conditions.

Cubic Yard Material Coverage

Approximate coverage for loose materials (mulch, soil, gravel) at common depths:

Depth	Coverage per 1 yd³ (sq ft)

Square Feet → Cubic Yards (given depth)

yd³ = (sq ft × depth in) ÷ 324 → —

Bags per Cubic Yard (concrete)

Bag size	Approx. yield (yd³)	Bags / 1 yd³
40 lb	0.011	≈ 91
50 lb	0.014	≈ 71
60 lb	0.017	≈ 59
80 lb	0.022	≈ 45

Values are typical approximations; check your bag’s stated yield.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cubic yard?

A cubic yard (yd³) is a unit of volume equal to a cube 1 yard on each side. Exactly 27 cubic feet (ft³), 46,656 cubic inches (in³), or about 0.7646 cubic meters (m³).

How do I calculate cubic yards for a rectangle or square?

Convert all dimensions to feet, multiply Length × Width × Depth to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. Example: 10 ft × 8 ft × 0.5 ft = 40 ft³ → 40 ÷ 27 ≈ 1.48 yd³.

How do I calculate cubic yards for a circle?

Use π × (Diameter ÷ 2)² × Depth (all in feet) to get ft³, then divide by 27. Tip: If your inputs are in inches or meters, convert them to feet first.

How do I estimate borders, curbs, or edging in cubic yards?

Treat it like a long rectangle: Length × Width × Depth (in feet) = ft³, then ÷ 27. For irregular sections, split into smaller rectangles and sum the results.

I know the area—how do I get cubic yards from depth?

If area is in ft² and depth is in inches, use: yd³ = (Area_ft² × Depth_in) ÷ 324. (Because 27 ft³/yd³ and 12 in/ft → 27×12 = 324.)

Can I mix units like inches, feet, yards, or metric?

Yes. Convert everything to a single system first. Common routes: (a) convert all lengths to feet, compute ft³, then ÷ 27; or (b) convert to meters, compute m³, then ÷ 0.764555 to get yd³.

How much extra should I order for waste or settling?

For most projects, adding 5–10% is sensible to cover compaction, spillage, and measurement uncertainty. For rough or irregular ground, consider 10–15%.