How to calculate cubic yards
Multiply length × width in feet, then multiply by the depth in feet (inches ÷ 12). That gives cubic feet. Divide by 27, because a cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft, which is 27 cubic feet.
Example: a bed 12 ft long and 4 ft wide, filled 6 inches deep, is 12 × 4 × 0.5 = 24 cubic feet, which is 24 ÷ 27 = 0.89 cubic yards.
What does a cubic yard look like?
A cubic yard is a cube about 3 feet on each side. Spread 3 inches deep it covers about 108 square feet; spread 1 inch deep it covers about 324 square feet. A full-size pickup typically carries around 1 to 2 cubic yards of soil or gravel, depending on the weight the truck is rated for.
Calculators for specific materials
For a weight or bag count, use the calculator for your material: concrete, gravel, mulch, topsoil, sand, dirt or asphalt.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
27 cubic feet.
How many square feet does a cubic yard cover?
At 1 inch deep, 324 square feet; at 2 inches, 162; at 3 inches, 108; at 4 inches, 81.
How do I measure an odd-shaped area?
Split it into rectangles and circles, work each one out, and add the results together.