Free construction calculator

Cubic Yard Calculator

Convert length, width and depth into cubic yards.

Project inputs

Enter your measurements. Results update automatically.

Need to price the whole job?

Move from quantity math to materials, labor, overhead, markup and profit with Nails & Numbers contractor tools.

See estimating tools
Bulk material guide

How to calculate cubic yards

Cubic yards are commonly used for concrete, gravel, mulch, soil and other bulk materials. Enter length and width in feet and depth in inches. The calculator converts depth to feet, calculates cubic feet, then divides by 27 to get cubic yards.

Cubic yard formula

Length × width × depth in feet ÷ 27 = cubic yards. If depth is measured in inches, divide it by 12 before multiplying.

Add extra material separately

The extra-material field increases the calculated volume after the basic yardage is found. This helps account for uneven grade, compaction, trimming or other job conditions.

Measure depth carefully

A small depth change across a large area can noticeably change the final volume. Use an average depth only when it reasonably represents the project, and verify delivery quantities with the material supplier.

Common cubic yard questions

How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?

There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.

Can I use this for gravel and dirt?

Yes for volume. Weight, compaction, swell and material density are separate considerations. Use the Gravel or Dirt & Earthwork calculators when those details matter.

Should I round cubic yards up?

Supplier minimums and delivery increments vary. Use the calculated amount plus your chosen extra-material allowance, then confirm ordering increments with the supplier.