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
To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, divide the number of cubic feet by 27. For example, 54 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 2 cubic yards. This is because 1 cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet).
A cubic yard of concrete typically weighs about 4,050 pounds (2.03 tons). The exact weight can vary slightly depending on the specific mix and aggregate used. For estimating purposes, most contractors use 2 tons per cubic yard of concrete.
It takes approximately 60 bags of 80-pound concrete mix to make 1 cubic yard of concrete. For 60-pound bags, you would need about 80 bags, and for 40-pound bags, you would need about 120 bags. These are approximate values and may vary slightly based on the specific product.
A cubic yard of mulch covers approximately:
- 324 square feet at a 1-inch depth
- 162 square feet at a 2-inch depth
- 108 square feet at a 3-inch depth
- 81 square feet at a 4-inch depth
This calculator provides accurate volume calculations based on the dimensions you enter. However, real-world conditions may vary due to factors like compaction, settling, and irregular shapes. We recommend adding 5-10% extra material to account for these variables. For complex or large projects, consider consulting with a professional.
Need help estimating larger projects?
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