How to calculate cubic yards
A cubic yard is 3 ft Γ 3 ft Γ 3 ft, or 27 cubic feet. Convert every measurement to feet, multiply, then divide by 27.
Cubic feet = Length Γ Width Γ Depth (all in feet; inches Γ· 12)
Cubic yards = Cubic feet Γ· 27
Circle: Ο Γ (Diameter Γ· 2)Β² Γ Depth
Example: a 20 Γ 10 ft area filled 4 inches deep is 20 Γ 10 Γ 0.333 = 66.67 cubic feet, or 2.47 cubic yards. That's 34 bags of 2 cubic feet, so a bulk delivery of 2.5 yards is cheaper.
Ordering tips
- Add 5% to 10% for fill dirt and topsoil, which settle after spreading and compacting.
- Weight: a cubic yard of topsoil weighs about 1 ton, gravel about 1.4 tons. Check what your truck or trailer can carry.
- Delivery minimums are often 1 to 3 yards; a full dump truck holds 10 to 14.
For mulch and gravel with coverage charts, use the mulch and gravel calculator; for slabs and footings, the concrete calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide by 27. 54 cubic feet is 2 cubic yards.
How much area does a cubic yard cover?
324 sq ft at 1" deep, 108 sq ft at 3", and 81 sq ft at 4" deep.
How many bags in a cubic yard?
13.5 bags of 2 cubic feet, 9 bags of 3 cubic feet, or 27 bags of 1 cubic foot.
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