Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate volume in cubic yards for any shape with material weight estimates
Enter Your Dimensions
Enter area dimensions and depth to calculate the volume in cubic yards and other units.
How to Use the Cubic Yard Calculator
Select Your Shape
Choose the shape that best matches your project area: Rectangle for rectangular or square areas like garden beds and driveways, Circle for round areas like tree rings and fire pits, Triangle for triangular sections, or Trapezoid for areas with two parallel sides of different lengths.
Enter Dimensions
Select your preferred measurement unit (inches, feet, yards, centimeters, or meters) and enter the dimensions for your chosen shape. Then enter the depth — most landscaping projects use depth in inches (e.g., 4 inches of gravel, 6 inches of topsoil). You can set the depth unit independently from the area dimensions.
Select a Material (Optional)
If you need weight estimates for delivery planning, select the material type from the dropdown. The calculator uses standard density values for topsoil, gravel, sand, mulch, concrete, asphalt, and crushed stone to estimate the total weight in tons and pounds. Leave set to 'None' if you only need volume.
Review Results and Export
The calculator displays your volume in cubic yards (the standard ordering unit), plus cubic feet, cubic meters, and cubic inches. If a material is selected, weight estimates and truck load counts are shown. Click 'Export CSV' to download results for contractor quotes, or 'Print' for a hard copy to bring to the landscape supply yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are exactly 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. This comes from the fact that a yard equals 3 feet, so a cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet. To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, divide by 27. To convert cubic yards to cubic feet, multiply by 27. This conversion is the most common one needed when working with bulk materials, since project dimensions are usually measured in feet and inches, but material is sold by the cubic yard. For metric users, one cubic yard equals approximately 0.7646 cubic meters.
How much does a cubic yard of soil weigh?
A cubic yard of dry topsoil weighs approximately 2,200 pounds (1.1 short tons), but this varies significantly with moisture content and soil composition. Wet topsoil can weigh 2,700 to 3,000 pounds per cubic yard. Garden soil blended with compost is lighter at around 1,800 to 2,000 pounds per cubic yard. Sand is heavier at approximately 2,700 pounds per cubic yard, gravel at 2,800 pounds, and concrete at approximately 3,900 pounds per cubic yard. Mulch is the lightest common landscape material at roughly 400 to 800 pounds per cubic yard depending on type and moisture. Always confirm weights with your supplier, especially for delivery planning.
How do I calculate cubic yards for an irregularly shaped area?
For irregular shapes, divide the area into simpler geometric shapes (rectangles, triangles, circles, or trapezoids), calculate the cubic yardage for each section separately using this calculator, then add the results together. For example, an L-shaped driveway can be split into two rectangles. A kidney-shaped garden bed can be approximated as two overlapping circles. A curved path can be treated as a series of trapezoids. For complex shapes, you can also estimate the total square footage of the area using graph paper or a measuring wheel, then use the Area mode in our Soil Calculator to convert square footage plus depth into cubic yards.
How many trucks do I need for my delivery?
Standard dump trucks come in two common sizes: a small single-axle dump truck carries approximately 10 cubic yards, while a large tandem-axle dump truck carries approximately 20 cubic yards. The calculator shows both estimates. However, weight limits can reduce these capacities — a heavy material like wet concrete at 3,900 lbs per cubic yard means a 20-yard load would weigh 39 tons, which exceeds most truck weight limits. Your supplier will adjust load sizes based on material density. For heavy materials, expect to receive partial loads. For light materials like mulch, the truck may be volume-limited rather than weight-limited. Always confirm delivery capacity and fees with your supplier before ordering.
What depth should I use for common projects?
Common depth recommendations are: 2-3 inches for mulch around trees and garden beds, 3-4 inches for topsoil topdressing on lawns, 4-6 inches for gravel driveways and pathways, 6-8 inches for topsoil in new garden beds, 10-12 inches for raised bed fill, 4 inches for a standard concrete patio or walkway, and 6-8 inches for a concrete driveway. These are minimum recommendations — local conditions like soil drainage, traffic load, and climate may require greater depths. For concrete projects especially, consult local building codes and a structural engineer for load-bearing applications. Using the correct depth is as important as measuring the area accurately for getting the right volume.
Should I order extra material beyond the calculated amount?
Yes, ordering 5-10% extra is standard practice for most bulk material projects. Materials settle and compact after spreading and watering — topsoil typically settles 10-15%, gravel 5-10%. Some material is also lost during spreading due to uneven terrain, spillage, and compaction into the existing ground surface. For concrete, ordering 5-10% extra is critical because you cannot easily get a small additional delivery once the pour has started, and running short means a cold joint that weakens the structure. The one exception is when the area is very precisely graded and contained (like a raised bed with solid walls), where minimal overage is needed. When in doubt, a little extra is always cheaper than a second delivery.