Cubic Yards Calculator
Calculate cubic yards for mulch, gravel, topsoil, sand, and concrete projects. Get instant conversions to cubic feet and tons.
Last updated: May 30, 2026
Enter Your Measurements
ft
ft
Typical: Mulch 2-4 in, Gravel 4-6 in, Concrete 4 in
ft
How to Use This Calculator
1
Choose Unit & Shape
Select your measurement unit and the shape of your area (rectangle, circle, or triangle).
2
Enter Dimensions
Input length, width, and depth. The calculator converts to cubic yards automatically.
3
Get Material Estimates
View cubic yards, cubic feet, tons, and bags needed for your project.
How We Calculate
Rectangle
Volume = (L × W × D) ÷ 27 Example: (10 × 12 × 0.33) ÷ 27 = 1.48 cu yd
Circle
Volume = (π × r² × D) ÷ 27 Example: (π × 5² × 0.33) ÷ 27 = 0.96 cu yd
Triangle
Volume = ((B × H ÷ 2) × D) ÷ 27 Example: ((10 × 8 ÷ 2) × 0.33) ÷ 27 = 0.49 cu yd
Key Conversions
- • 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
- • 1 cubic yard = 0.765 cubic meters
- • 1 cubic yard of gravel ≈ 1.4 tons
- • 1 cubic yard of mulch ≈ 13.5 bags (2 cu ft each)
Frequently Asked Questions
For a rectangle, multiply length × width × depth, then divide by 27. For example, a 10 ft × 12 ft area with 4 in depth equals (10 × 12 × 0.33) ÷ 27 = 1.48 cubic yards.
It depends on your project. Mulch typically needs 2-4 inches depth (0.5-1 cu yd per 100 sq ft). Gravel base needs 4-6 inches (1-1.5 cu yd per 100 sq ft). Concrete needs 4 inches minimum (1.23 cu yd per 100 sq ft).
1 cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cu ft). To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, divide by 27. To convert cubic yards to cubic feet, multiply by 27.
Weight varies by material: gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, sand weighs 1.3 tons, topsoil weighs 1.0 ton, and mulch weighs 0.4-0.6 tons. Use our material-specific calculators for accurate estimates.
Measure your area in square feet, multiply by desired depth in feet, then divide by 27. For 3-inch mulch depth, use: (area sq ft × 0.25) ÷ 27. Use our Mulch Calculator for detailed estimates.
There are 13.5 bags (2 cu ft each) in one cubic yard. 1 cubic yard = 27 cu ft ÷ 2 cu ft per bag = 13.5 bags. Most mulch and topsoil come in 2 cu ft bags.