Cubic Yard Calculator
Cubic yard calculator: convert length, width and depth into cubic yards of soil, gravel, mulch or concrete, with a waste allowance.
Editorial review: Farrow (pseudonym; identity and professional credentials are not disclosed). This page is for educational purposes, not professional advice.
Your inputs
Results update as you type. Nothing you enter leaves your device.
Results
- Cubic feet
- 30
- With waste allowance
- 1.22 yd³
Example with the starting values
These results use the calculator's initial inputs. Change the values above to calculate your own estimate.
Inputs
- Length
- 10 ft
- Width
- 12 ft
- Depth
- 3 in
- Waste allowance
- 10 %
Results
- Cubic yards
- 1.11
- Cubic feet
- 30
- With waste allowance
- 1.22 yd³
How does the Cubic Yard Calculator work?
Volume in cubic feet = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) / 12. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards, because a cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet.
A 10 ft by 12 ft bed covered 3 inches deep is 10 × 12 × 0.25 = 30 cubic feet, or 1.11 cubic yards. Suppliers sell by the yard, so add about 10% for settling and waste.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft).
How much mulch do I need for a garden bed?
Multiply length by width in feet, then by depth in inches divided by 12, then divide by 27. A 3-inch layer is standard for mulch.
How many yards fit in a truck?
A standard pickup bed holds roughly 2 to 3 cubic yards of loose material, and less if it is heavy, like wet soil or gravel.
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide by 27. A pile of 54 cubic feet is 2 cubic yards.