Cubic Yard Calculator for Gravel, Concrete, Mulch, Soil & Sand
Calculate cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters, tons, and project cost instantly.
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How to Calculate Cubic Yards
Calculating cubic yards helps estimate the amount of gravel, concrete, mulch, sand, or soil needed for landscaping and construction projects. Simply measure the length, width, and depth of the area, multiply those values together, and divide the result by 27.
Example Calculation
Suppose your project area measures:
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 6 feet
- Depth: 3 feet
First multiply the dimensions:
Then divide by 27:
You would need approximately 6.67 cubic yards of material to fill the area.
Common Material Weights Per Cubic Yard
Different landscaping and construction materials have different weights per cubic yard. Use the chart below to estimate the average weight of gravel, sand, concrete, mulch, and soil for your project.
| Material | Average Weight Per Cubic Yard | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel | 2,800 lbs | Driveways, pathways, drainage |
| Sand | 2,700 lbs | Pavers, concrete mix, leveling |
| Concrete | 4,000 lbs | Slabs, foundations, patios |
| Mulch | 800 lbs | Gardens, landscaping, moisture control |
| Topsoil | 2,200 lbs | Gardening, lawns, planting |
| Crushed Stone | 2,500 lbs | Road base, foundations |
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Calculate sand volume for pavers, leveling, construction, and play areas.
Open CalculatorPopular Conversion Tools
Convert cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters, tons, and other common construction measurements using our free online conversion tools.
Cubic Yards to Cubic Feet
Convert cubic yards into cubic feet instantly for construction and landscaping projects.
Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards
Quickly convert cubic feet into cubic yards using accurate formulas.
Cubic Yards to Cubic Meters
Convert cubic yards to cubic meters for international projects.
Cubic Meters to Cubic Yards
Convert metric measurements into cubic yards instantly.
Cubic Yards to Tons
Estimate material weight from cubic yard volume calculations.
Tons to Cubic Yards
Convert tons into estimated cubic yard volume for bulk materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about cubic yards, material volume calculations, and construction measurements.
How much area can 1 cubic yard cover?
One cubic yard can cover approximately 100 square feet at a depth of 3 inches. Coverage depends on the depth of the material being applied.
Is a cubic yard 3 ft by 3 ft?
A cubic yard measures 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet deep, which equals 27 cubic feet in total volume.
What is 1 cubic yard in yards?
One cubic yard is a unit of volume equal to a space measuring 1 yard long, 1 yard wide, and 1 yard deep.
What exactly is a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is a volume measurement commonly used for gravel, concrete, mulch, soil, sand, and other landscaping or construction materials.
How do I calculate volume?
To calculate volume, multiply the length, width, and depth of the area. For cubic yards, divide the total cubic feet by 27.
How many cubic yards is a 10×10 slab?
A 10×10 slab that is 4 inches thick requires approximately 1.23 cubic yards of concrete.
What does 1 cubic yard look like?
One cubic yard looks like a cube measuring 3 feet in length, width, and height. It is roughly the size of a standard washing machine.
How to convert cubic yards to square feet?
To convert cubic yards to square feet, you need the material depth. Multiply cubic yards by 27 to get cubic feet, then divide by the depth in feet.