ConstructionInstant Tool
Cubic Yard Calculator
Convert length, width, and depth into cubic yards for mulch, dirt, concrete, and dumpsters.
ft
ft
in
$
How Cubic Yard Calculator Works
Cubic Yards = Length ft × Width ft × Depth ft / 27A cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet where 3 ft by 3 ft by 3 ft equals 27 cubic feet. Multiply surface area in square feet by depth in feet, then divide the resulting cubic feet by 27 to find exact cubic yards required.
Variable Breakdown
L
LengthLength of space in feet
W
WidthWidth of space in feet
D
DepthDepth in inches divided by 12
27
Conversion ConstantNumber of cubic feet in one cubic yard
Example Calculation
Garden Bed Mulch Installation
A backyard landscape bed measuring 30 feet long by 6 feet wide with 3 inches of cedar mulch.
- Calculate area: 30 ft × 6 ft = 180 sq ft.
- Convert 3 inches depth to feet: 3 ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft.
- Calculate cubic feet: 180 sq ft × 0.25 ft = 45 cu ft.
- Divide by 27: 45 ÷ 27 = 1.67 cubic yards.
- Bag equivalent: 45 cu ft ÷ 2 cu ft per bag = 23 bags.
Result:1.67 Cubic Yards - 23 standard 2-cu-ft bags
Material Weights per Cubic Yard
| Bulk Material | Cubic Feet per Yard | Weight in Pounds | Weight in Tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Topsoil | 27 cu ft | 2000 lbs | 1.00 ton |
| Wet Topsoil or Compost | 27 cu ft | 2600 lbs | 1.30 tons |
| Hardwood Bark Mulch | 27 cu ft | 800 lbs | 0.40 ton |
| Concrete Ready Mix | 27 cu ft | 4050 lbs | 2.03 tons |
| Coarse Masonry Sand | 27 cu ft | 2700 lbs | 1.35 tons |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are exactly 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard where 3 ft by 3 ft by 3 ft equals 27 cubic feet.
How many bags of mulch or soil equal one cubic yard?
Most commercial mulch and soil bags are 2 cubic feet requiring 13.5 bags per yard or 3 cubic feet requiring 9 bags per cubic yard.
How do I calculate cubic yards for circular areas?
Calculate radius squared multiplied by π approximately 3.14159 multiplied by depth in feet, then divide by 27.
How much does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
Dry topsoil weighs approximately 2000 to 2200 pounds about 1.0 to 1.1 tons per cubic yard. Wet soil can weigh over 2600 pounds about 1.3 tons.
What size dumpster do I need for 10 cubic yards?
A 10-yard dumpster holds approximately 10 cubic yards of material, equivalent to roughly 3 to 4 standard pickup truck loads.
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