Project Dimensions
Live Auto-CalculationStandard depths: Mulch (2"-3"), Driveway Gravel (4"), Concrete Slabs (4"-6"), Topsoil Lawn Prep (4"-6").
Cubic Yards (with waste allowance)
How to Calculate Cubic Yards (The Master Formula)
A cubic yard is a unit of volume equal to a cube with dimensions of 3 feet in length, 3 feet in width, and 3 feet in depth (3' × 3' × 3' = 27 cubic feet). To convert any area into cubic yards, multiply length by width to find total square feet, multiply by depth (in feet), and divide by 27.
Worked Example: To fill a raised garden bed or gravel patio that measures 20 feet long by 10 feet wide with a depth of 4 inches:
- Calculate square footage:
20 ft × 10 ft = 200 sq. ft. - Convert depth to feet:
4 inches ÷ 12 = 0.333 feet - Calculate total cubic feet:
200 sq. ft. × 0.333 ft = 66.67 cu. ft. - Divide by 27 to find cubic yards:
66.67 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards - Add 10% contingency for compaction:
2.47 × 1.10 = 2.72 cubic yards
Cubic Yard Coverage Cheat Sheet (Square Feet to Yards)
Use this verified civil engineering reference table to determine how much area 1 cubic yard covers at common project depths:
| Depth (Inches) | Coverage per 1 Cubic Yard (Sq Ft) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Inch | 324 sq. ft. | Lawn topdressing, sand bedding coat |
| 2 Inches | 162 sq. ft. | Annual mulch refresher, decorative pea gravel |
| 3 Inches | 108 sq. ft. | First-time weed-barrier mulch, gravel walkways |
| 4 Inches | 81 sq. ft. | Standard residential driveways, patio concrete slabs |
| 6 Inches | 54 sq. ft. | Heavy vehicle parking pads, foundation footings |
| 12 Inches (1 Foot) | 27 sq. ft. | Deep raised garden beds, retaining wall backfill |
Material Weight Constants & Density Table (Yards to Tons)
When ordering dump truck deliveries, volume must often be converted into weight (US Tons). Bulk densities vary based on moisture and particle grading:
| Material Type | Weight per Cu. Yd. (Lbs) | Tons per Cu. Yd. | Bags per Cu. Yd. |
|---|---|---|---|
| #57 Crushed Limestone | 2,800 lbs | 1.40 Tons | 56 × 50-lb bags |
| Pea Gravel (3/8" Clean) | 2,900 lbs | 1.45 Tons | 58 × 50-lb bags |
| Screened Topsoil (Dry) | 2,100 lbs | 1.05 Tons | 27 × 1 cu. ft. bags |
| Moist Garden Loam | 2,500 lbs | 1.25 Tons | 27 × 1 cu. ft. bags |
| Hardwood Bark Mulch | 800 – 1,000 lbs | 0.45 Tons | 13.5 × 2 cu. ft. bags |
| Masonry Sand | 2,700 lbs | 1.35 Tons | 54 × 50-lb bags |
| Standard Concrete Mix | 4,050 lbs | 2.025 Tons | 45 × 80-lb bags |
Frequently Asked Questions About Cubic Yards
The standard formula for cubic yards is: Cubic Yards = (Length in feet × Width in feet × Depth in feet) ÷ 27. If depth is in inches, divide inches by 12 first: Cubic Yards = (Length ft × Width ft × (Depth in ÷ 12)) ÷ 27.
A cubic yard is a cube that measures 3 feet long by 3 feet wide by 3 feet deep. Multiplying 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft equals 27 cubic feet. Therefore, dividing total cubic feet by 27 converts the volume directly into cubic yards.
One cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch depth, 162 sq ft at 2 inches depth, 108 sq ft at 3 inches depth, 81 sq ft at 4 inches depth, 54 sq ft at 6 inches depth, and 27 sq ft at 12 inches depth.
One cubic yard of crushed gravel weighs approximately 2,800 lbs (1.4 US tons). Screened topsoil weighs between 2,200 and 2,600 lbs (1.1 to 1.3 tons) depending on moisture, while dry mulch weighs about 800 to 1,000 lbs (0.45 tons).
Contractors recommend ordering 5% to 10% extra material for loose landscaping aggregates like mulch, topsoil, and gravel to account for ground settling and uneven subgrades. For poured concrete slabs, add 10% for spillage and form deflection.