Cubic Yard Calculator
Instantly calculate the exact volume of mulch, dirt, gravel, or concrete needed for your upcoming project.
For landscaping mulch, 2-3 inches is standard depth.
Enter dimensions to calculate
required material volume
Understanding Volume Calculations
Bulk materials for home and garden projects are almost always sold by volume (Cubic Yards), not by weight.
The Formula
The math is simple: Measure Length, Width, and Depth in feet. Multiply them together to find Cubic Feet. Divide by 27 to find Cubic Yards.
Landscaping
When ordering topsoil, mulch, or gravel, buying in bulk by the yard is significantly cheaper than buying individual 2-cubic-foot bags.
Overage
Professionals always recommend ordering 5% to 10% extra material (especially for concrete or gravel) to account for settling, spillage, and uneven subgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard is a measure of volume. It represents an area that is 1 yard long, 1 yard wide, and 1 yard deep (3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet). One cubic yard equals exactly 27 cubic feet (3 × 3 × 3 = 27).
How do I calculate Cubic Yards manually?
First, measure the Length, Width, and Depth (thickness) in feet. Multiply them together to get Cubic Feet (L × W × D = Cubic Feet). Then, divide the Cubic Feet by 27 to get Cubic Yards.
How many bags of mulch equal one cubic yard?
Standard bags of mulch sold at hardware stores are usually 2 cubic feet. Since one cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, it takes 13.5 (round to 14) 2-cubic-foot bags to equal one cubic yard.
How deep should mulch be applied?
For most landscaping projects and flower beds, a depth of 2 to 3 inches of mulch is heavily recommended to suppress weeds and retain moisture without suffocating plant roots.
Can I use this for concrete?
Yes! Concrete is ordered by the cubic yard. By entering the length, width, and thickness (usually 4 to 6 inches for a standard driveway or patio) of your slab, this calculator will tell you exactly how many yards of concrete you need to order.
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