Convert to Cubic Yards Calculator: Formula & Guide

This calculator converts a volume you enter in cubic feet, cubic inches, or other units into cubic yards. You input the length, width, and depth (or a total volume), and it returns the equivalent cubic yards — the standard unit for ordering soil, mulch, gravel, and concrete. The result is given as a decimal number, with the formula and a worked example shown below.

Formula

The basic formula for cubic yards from length, width, and depth is:

Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27

Where:

• Length (L) and Width (W) are in feet (ft).
• Depth (D) is in feet (ft). If you measure depth in inches, first divide by 12 to convert to feet.
• 27 is the number of cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 ft³).

All dimensions must be in the same unit before multiplying. The result is in cubic yards (yd³), the standard volume unit for bulk materials in the US.

Worked Example

Using the calculator’s default values: length = 10 ft, width = 10 ft, depth = 6 in.

1. Convert depth to feet: 6 in ÷ 12 = 0.5 ft
2. Find cubic feet: 10 ft × 10 ft × 0.5 ft = 50 ft³
3. Convert to cubic yards: 50 ft³ ÷ 27 = 1.85 yd³ (rounded to two decimals)

The calculator shows 1.85 cubic yards as the headline answer, matching the formula exactly.

Why Use Cubic Yards?

Cubic yards are the standard unit for ordering bulk landscaping and construction materials in the US. Suppliers quote prices per cubic yard for topsoil, compost, mulch, sand, gravel, and concrete. Knowing your volume in cubic yards lets you compare quotes, avoid over-ordering, and plan delivery. One cubic yard is roughly the size of a standard washing machine, or a pile 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft.

How to Measure for a Project

For a rectangular area (garden bed, patio base, or driveway), measure length and width in feet, and depth in inches (or feet). For circular areas, use the formula for a cylinder: π × radius² × depth, then divide by 27. For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles, calculate each, and add the cubic yards together.

• Use a tape measure or laser measure for accuracy.
• Measure twice; small errors in depth become large volume errors.
• Add 10–15% extra for compaction, settling, or waste, especially for gravel or soil.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Mixing units: Always convert inches to feet (divide by 12) or feet to inches before multiplying. A depth of 6 inches is 0.5 ft, not 6 ft.
• Forgetting the 27: Dividing by 27 converts cubic feet to cubic yards. If you skip this, your result is in cubic feet, which is 27 times larger.
• Rounding too early: Round only the final answer. Rounding intermediate steps can shift the result by several percent.
• Using the wrong formula for circles: For a circular area, use π × r² × depth, not length × width.

When to Use This Calculator

Use this calculator when you need to order materials for any project that involves volume:

• Mulch or topsoil for a garden bed
• Gravel or crushed stone for a driveway or path
• Concrete for a slab or footing (though concrete is often ordered by the cubic yard directly)
• Sand for a paver base or sandbox

It also works for estimating fill dirt, compost, or even the volume of a large container. For concrete, note that most ready-mix trucks deliver in whole or half cubic yards, so you may need to round up.

Limitations and Important Notes

This calculator assumes a perfectly rectangular, flat volume. Real-world projects often have slopes, irregular shapes, or compaction that changes the volume needed. For example, soil compacts when spread and watered, so you may need 10–20% more than the calculated volume. Gravel also settles, and a depth of 2 inches may become 1.5 inches after compaction. Always check with your supplier for their recommended overage. For concrete, the formula is exact for a given slab thickness, but you must order a little extra to account for spillage and uneven subgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?

There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. This comes from 3 feet per yard, cubed: 3 × 3 × 3 = 27. To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, divide by 27.

Can I use this calculator for circular areas?

No, this calculator is for rectangular areas. For a circle, use the formula: π × radius² × depth (in feet) ÷ 27. For example, a 10-foot diameter circle (radius 5 ft) with 6 inches of mulch: 3.14 × 25 × 0.5 ÷ 27 ≈ 1.45 cubic yards.

How do I convert inches to feet for the depth?

Divide the number of inches by 12. For example, 6 inches ÷ 12 = 0.5 feet, and 4 inches ÷ 12 = 0.333 feet. Always do this before multiplying with length and width.

Should I round up when ordering materials?

Yes, always round up to the next whole or half cubic yard, and add 10–15% extra for compaction, settling, and waste. For example, if you need 1.85 cubic yards, order 2 cubic yards. For gravel, consider ordering 2.5 cubic yards if you have a large area, because gravel settles and spreads.

What if I know the volume in cubic feet but not the dimensions?

Simply divide the cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. For example, 50 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards. This calculator also shows cubic feet as a secondary output, so you can use it either way.

How much does a cubic yard of soil or mulch weigh?

Weight varies by material and moisture. Dry topsoil weighs about 1,000–1,200 lbs per cubic yard, wet soil can be 1,500 lbs or more, and mulch is much lighter at 400–800 lbs per cubic yard. Check with your supplier for exact weights, especially if you are hauling it yourself.

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in l | Length | ft | 10 | 0
in w | Width | ft | 10 | 0
in d | Depth | in | 6 | 0
out cy | Cubic Yards | yd³ | (l * w * (d / 12)) / 27 | 2
out cf | Cubic Feet | ft³ | l * w * (d / 12) | 2