Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate cubic yards for landscaping, concrete, and fill materials. Convert between cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons. See also Concrete Calculator, Gravel Calculator, and Sand Calculator.
How to Use the Cubic Yard Calculator
Enter the length, width, and depth of the area you need to fill. Select the appropriate units for each measurement — you can mix units (e.g., length in feet, depth in inches). Choose a material type to calculate the approximate weight in tons, which is useful when ordering bulk materials by weight rather than volume. The calculator converts between cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters automatically.
Formula
Cubic Feet = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft)
Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet / 27
Cubic Meters = Cubic Feet x 0.0283168
Tons = Cubic Yards x Material Density (tons/yd³)
Example Calculation
Area: 10 ft x 10 ft x 6 inches deep (gravel)
Depth in feet = 6 / 12 = 0.5 ft
Cubic feet = 10 x 10 x 0.5 = 50 cu ft
Cubic yards = 50 / 27 = 1.85 yd³
Weight = 1.85 x 1.4 = 2.59 tons of gravel
Material Density Reference Table
| Material | Tons per Cubic Yard | Lbs per Cubic Yard | Lbs per Cubic Foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel (loose) | 1.40 | 2,800 | 104 |
| Sand (dry) | 1.30 | 2,600 | 96 |
| Topsoil | 1.10 | 2,200 | 81 |
| Concrete | 2.00 | 4,000 | 148 |
| Mulch (wood) | 0.40 | 800 | 30 |
| Crushed Stone | 1.35 | 2,700 | 100 |
| Fill Dirt | 1.20 | 2,400 | 89 |
| Asphalt | 1.10 | 2,200 | 81 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards are in a dump truck?
A standard single-axle dump truck holds 5-8 cubic yards. A tandem-axle dump truck holds 10-14 cubic yards. A tri-axle dump truck can carry 14-18 cubic yards depending on the material weight and local road weight limits.
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft). For example, 54 cubic feet equals 2 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 2,800 pounds (1.4 tons). Weight varies by gravel type — pea gravel is lighter at about 2,600 lbs/yd³, while dense crushed limestone can weigh 2,900+ lbs/yd³.
How many cubic yards do I need for a driveway?
A typical 20 ft x 40 ft driveway with 4 inches of gravel needs about 10 cubic yards. Calculate: 20 x 40 x (4/12) = 266.7 cu ft / 27 = 9.9 cubic yards. Order 10% extra for compaction and spreading.
What is the difference between a cubic yard and a ton?
A cubic yard measures volume (3 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft = 27 cu ft). A ton measures weight (2,000 lbs). The conversion depends on material density. One cubic yard of sand weighs about 1.3 tons, while one cubic yard of mulch weighs only 0.4 tons.
Should I order by the cubic yard or by the ton?
Bulk materials like gravel and sand are often sold by the ton because weight is more precise than volume (loose materials settle). Mulch and topsoil are typically sold by the cubic yard. Ask your supplier which unit they use and convert accordingly.