Cubic Yard Calculator
Convert length, width, and depth into cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters for concrete, gravel, and dirt.
Enter Your Dimensions
US • ftHow We Calculated This
• Round orders up to the nearest 0.25 or 0.5 cubic yard when ordering from ready-mix suppliers.
• Consider ordering bags instead if your project is under 0.5 cubic yards.
Formula & Volumetric Method
Cubic Yards = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth ft) ÷ 27. When depth is in inches, divide inches by 12 first.
Calculations are performed strictly using standard civil engineering constants. Volumetric outputs are normalized to true compaction rates, ensuring purchased quantities match jobsite yields.
Jobsite Engineering Guidelines
- One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (a cube 3 feet on each side).
- Ready-mix concrete trucks typically hold between 8 and 10 cubic yards per truckload.
- Always add 10% contingency for sub-base settling, uneven ground, and spillage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the Cubic Yard Calculator for ordering materials?
Our calculations match standard store packaging sizes in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. We include a safety waste buffer (default 8% to 12%) so you do not run short due to uneven ground or spillage.
Why should I add extra for waste when ordering?
Uneven ground, cutting scrap, and leftover mix in the wheelbarrow or mixer drum consume an extra 5% to 15% of material. Ordering only the exact measurement usually leaves you short, which can lead to expensive extra delivery fees.
Does this calculator support both Imperial and Metric units?
Yes. You can switch between US Customary (feet, inches, cubic yards, pounds), Canadian units, UK metric, and Australian standards using the region selector in the header or the unit dropdown on each input.