Cubic Yard Calculator
Convert length, width, and depth into cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters. Get material estimates for concrete bags and gravel tons.
Material Estimates
How It Works
This calculator converts your project dimensions into cubic yards — the standard unit for ordering bulk materials like concrete, gravel, mulch, and soil.
Formula: Cubic Yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × (Depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27.
The depth is entered in inches since most fill depths are measured that way (e.g., 4" of gravel, 6" of topsoil). The calculator divides by 12 to convert to feet, then divides by 27 (the number of cubic feet in a cubic yard).
Material estimates: Concrete bags assume 0.6 cu ft per 80 lb bag and 0.45 cu ft per 60 lb bag. Gravel tons use an average density of 2,800 lbs per cubic yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate cubic yards?
Multiply length (ft) x width (ft) x depth (ft), then divide by 27. If your depth is in inches, divide inches by 12 first to convert to feet. The formula is: L x W x (D / 12) / 27 = cubic yards.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft = 27 cu ft). To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, divide by 27.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Most gravel weighs about 2,800 pounds (1.4 tons) per cubic yard. Weight varies by type: pea gravel is about 2,600 lbs/yd, crushed stone about 2,800 lbs/yd, and river rock about 2,700 lbs/yd.
How many bags of concrete make a cubic yard?
About 45 bags of 80 lb concrete mix make one cubic yard. Each 80 lb bag yields about 0.6 cubic feet, and there are 27 cubic feet per cubic yard (27 / 0.6 = 45 bags).
How many wheelbarrows in a cubic yard?
A standard 6 cubic foot wheelbarrow holds about 6 cu ft when full. That means roughly 4.5 wheelbarrow loads per cubic yard (27 / 6 = 4.5). A 3 cu ft wheelbarrow would take about 9 loads.