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Cubic Yard Calculator 📐

Calculate cubic yards, volume conversions, and material quantities for construction, landscaping, and home projects. Convert between cubic yards, feet, meters with accurate material cost estimation.

Cubic Yard Calculator 📐

Project Shape

Rectangle or square area (length × width × depth)

Dimensions
Material Settings

Ready-mix concrete for foundations, slabs, and structural work

Volume Conversion Guide

Quick Conversion Reference

1 Cubic Yard = 27 Cubic Feet = 0.765 Cubic Meters

🇺🇸 US Imperial Units

  • • Cubic Yard: Standard for bulk materials
  • • Cubic Foot: Common for smaller quantities
  • • Cubic Inch: Precision measurements
  • • Best for: Construction, landscaping in US

🌍 Metric Units

  • • Cubic Meter: International standard
  • • Liter: Smaller volumes (1000L = 1m³)
  • • Cubic Centimeter: Very small volumes
  • • Best for: International projects, engineering

📏 Common Conversions

  • • 1 yd³ = 27 ft³
  • • 1 yd³ = 0.765 m³
  • • 1 m³ = 1.308 yd³
  • • 1 ft³ = 0.037 yd³
  • • 1 ft³ = 0.028 m³

💡 Conversion Tips

  • • Always convert to same units before calculating
  • • Double-check unit labels in results
  • • Use calculator for accuracy
  • • Round up for material orders

Material Calculation Guide

🏗️ Concrete Projects

Ready-mix concrete for foundations, slabs, and structural work

  • • Typical depth: 4-6 inches for slabs, 8+ inches for foundations
  • • Waste factor: 5% for simple projects, 10% for complex shapes
  • • Cost range: $100-150 per cubic yard delivered
  • • Coverage: 1 cubic yard covers 81 sq ft at 4" thick

🌱 Soil & Dirt

Topsoil for gardening, landscaping, and fill applications

  • • Typical depth: 2-6 inches for lawns, 12+ inches for gardens
  • • Compaction factor: 0.8 (settles 20%)
  • • Cost range: $25-50 per cubic yard
  • • Coverage: 1 cubic yard covers 162 sq ft at 2" thick

🗻 Gravel & Stone

Crushed stone for driveways, drainage, and base material

  • • Typical depth: 2-4 inches for driveways, 6+ inches for heavy loads
  • • Compaction factor: 0.9 (settles 10%)
  • • Cost range: $35-60 per cubic yard
  • • Coverage: 1 cubic yard covers 108 sq ft at 3" thick

🏖️ Sand

Construction sand for concrete, mortar, and base applications

  • • Typical depth: 1-2 inches for pavers, 2-4 inches for play areas
  • • Compaction factor: 0.85 (settles 15%)
  • • Cost range: $30-45 per cubic yard
  • • Coverage: 1 cubic yard covers 162 sq ft at 2" thick

🌿 Mulch

Organic ground cover for gardens and landscaping

  • • Typical depth: 2-4 inches for optimal benefits
  • • Compaction factor: 0.7 (settles 30%)
  • • Cost range: $20-40 per cubic yard
  • • Coverage: 1 cubic yard covers 108 sq ft at 3" thick

How to Calculate Cubic Yards

Basic Formula

Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Height in feet) ÷ 27

Always convert measurements to feet first

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. 1
    Measure your project area

    Length, width, and depth/thickness in any unit

  2. 2
    Convert all measurements to feet

    Inches ÷ 12, Yards × 3, Meters × 3.28

  3. 3
    Calculate volume in cubic feet

    Multiply length × width × height

  4. 4
    Convert to cubic yards

    Divide cubic feet by 27

  5. 5
    Add waste allowance

    Add 5-15% depending on material and project complexity

Important Considerations

Accuracy Notice

Calculations are estimates. Always verify measurements and consult with suppliers for exact requirements.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • • Mixing different units in calculations
  • • Forgetting to account for waste/spillage
  • • Not considering material compaction
  • • Underestimating irregular shapes

✅ Best Practices

  • • Measure twice, order once
  • • Always round up for material orders
  • • Factor in access and delivery constraints
  • • Get multiple supplier quotes

📋 Project Planning

  • • Plan for weather delays
  • • Arrange proper equipment/tools
  • • Coordinate delivery timing
  • • Have backup material sources

💰 Cost Optimization

  • • Bulk delivery vs. multiple trips
  • • Seasonal price variations
  • • Group orders with neighbors
  • • Consider material alternatives

Example Calculations

Example 1: Concrete Patio

Project:
• 12ft × 16ft patio
• 4 inches thick
• Rectangular shape
• Ready-mix concrete
Calculation:
• Volume: 12 × 16 × 0.33 = 63.4 ft³
• Cubic yards: 63.4 ÷ 27 = 2.35 yd³
• With 5% waste: 2.47 yd³
• Order: 2.5 cubic yards

Cost estimate: 2.5 yd³ × $120 = $300 for materials

Example 2: Garden Soil

Project:
• 20ft × 30ft garden bed
• 6 inches deep
• Quality topsoil
• Rectangular area
Calculation:
• Volume: 20 × 30 × 0.5 = 300 ft³
• Cubic yards: 300 ÷ 27 = 11.1 yd³
• With 10% waste + 20% settling: 14.5 yd³
• Order: 15 cubic yards

Cost estimate: 15 yd³ × $35 = $525 for materials

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