Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate cubic yards quickly and accurately for concrete, gravel, soil, mulch, and other construction materials.
Understanding Cubic Yards
What is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard is a unit of volume measurement equal to 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet, or 27 cubic feet. It's commonly used in construction and landscaping to measure materials like concrete, soil, gravel, and mulch.
Cubic Yard Equivalents:
📏
1 cubic yard =
27 cubic feet
🌍
1 cubic yard =
0.765 cubic meters
🧮
1 cubic yard =
46,656 cubic inches
Material Densities and Coverage
| Material | Weight per Cubic Yard | Coverage at 3" Depth | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | 4,050 lbs (2.03 tons) | N/A | Foundations, slabs, driveways |
| Gravel | 2,800 lbs (1.4 tons) | 108 sq ft | Driveways, drainage, landscaping |
| Soil (Topsoil) | 2,200 lbs (1.1 tons) | 108 sq ft | Gardens, lawns, planting beds |
| Mulch | 750 lbs (0.38 tons) | 108 sq ft | Flower beds, tree bases, landscaping |
| Sand | 2,800 lbs (1.4 tons) | 108 sq ft | Playgrounds, masonry, landscaping |
Ordering Tips
- •Always add 5-10% extra material to account for settling, spillage, and compaction.
- •Many suppliers have minimum order quantities, typically 0.5 cubic yards.
- •For large projects, consider delivery costs and access for dump trucks.
- •Verify your measurements before ordering, as returns are often not accepted.
🚚 Material Ordering Tips
How Much to Order
- Add a Buffer: For most projects, add 5-10% extra to account for spillage, settling, and uneven ground.
- Concrete Projects: Add 10% extra for concrete to avoid running short during a pour.
- Gravel Driveways: For new driveways, plan for 4-6 inches depth. For refreshing existing driveways, 2-3 inches is typically sufficient.
- Mulch: For new beds, apply 3-4 inches. For maintenance, 1-2 inches is usually enough.
Delivery Considerations
- Access: Ensure delivery trucks can access your site. Most require at least 10-12 feet width clearance.
- Placement: Decide where materials should be dumped before delivery.
- Timing: For concrete, coordinate delivery with your crew's availability.
- Weather: Check the forecast, especially for concrete pours and soil delivery.
Important Note
Materials like soil and mulch can compact during transport. The actual volume when spread may be up to 20% more than the delivered volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need help estimating larger projects?
Our team of experts can provide personalized assistance for complex construction projects.