Cubic Yard Calculator

Use our Cubic Yard Calculator to estimate how much material your project requires before placing an order. Simply enter your project's length, width, and depth to calculate the cubic yards needed for topsoil, fill dirt, gravel, sand, mulch, crushed limestone, recycled concrete, and other bulk landscape materials.

Materials

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Pick a project size

Enter length, width, and depth

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Depth (in)

Area 1

Current area: 0 sq ft · 0 cy

Handful of dark screened Florida topsoil rich in organic matter

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0cy

Topsoil

Delivered price

Enter measurements

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How to Calculate Cubic Yards

Calculating cubic yards is straightforward once you know your project's dimensions. Measure the length and width of the area in feet, then determine the desired depth. If your depth is measured in inches, convert it to feet before calculating the volume.

The basic formula is:

Length × Width × Depth ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards

One cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet, making it the standard unit used to purchase bulk landscape materials.

Our calculator performs these calculations automatically, helping you estimate the amount of material needed without doing the math yourself.

Common Coverage Examples

The amount of area one cubic yard covers depends on how deep the material is installed.

Material Depth	Approximate Coverage per Cubic Yard
1 inch	324 sq ft
2 inches	162 sq ft
3 inches	108 sq ft
4 inches	81 sq ft
6 inches	54 sq ft

These examples are intended as general guidelines. Actual material requirements may vary depending on grading, compaction, settling, and site conditions.

Materials You Can Calculate

Our Cubic Yard Calculator works for most bulk landscaping and construction materials, including:

Topsoil
Fill Dirt
Sand
Gravel
Crushed Limestone
Recycled Concrete
Asphalt Millings
Mulch
Compost
Decorative Stone

Different materials have different recommended installation depths, but the volume calculation is performed the same way.

Tips for Ordering Bulk Materials

Before placing your order, consider these best practices:

Measure the longest and widest dimensions of your project area.
Round measurements to the nearest inch or foot when appropriate.
Account for uneven ground or grading changes.
Consider ordering slightly more material than calculated to allow for settling, compaction, and minor measurement differences.
Verify recommended installation depths for your specific project before purchasing.

A little extra material is often less expensive than scheduling a second delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calculate Specific Materials

Continue estimating your project using one of our dedicated calculators:

Topsoil Calculator

Calculate the topsoil needed for your landscaping project.

Lawns • Garden Beds • Grading • Planting

Mason Sand Calculator

Calculate the amount of mason sand required for your project.

Pavers • Masonry • Leveling • Play Areas

Fill Dirt Calculator

Calculate the fill dirt needed for grading and site preparation.

Grading • Foundations • Backfill • Building Pads

Limerock 57 Stone bulk material delivery

Limerock 57 Stone Calculator

Calculate the Limerock 57 Stone needed for your project.

Driveways • Drainage • Parking Areas • Landscaping

Crushed Asphalt Millings Calculator

Calculate the asphalt millings required for your project.

Driveways • Roads • Parking Areas • Pathways

Recycled Concrete 57 Stone bulk material delivery

Recycled Concrete 57 Stone Calculator

Calculate the recycled concrete aggregate needed for your project.

Driveways • Road Base • Drainage • Building Pads

Recycled Concrete Screenings Fines bulk material delivery

Recycled Concrete Screening Fines Calculator

Calculate the concrete screening fines required for your project.

Paver Base • Walkways • Leveling • Compaction