Cubic Yard Calculator
Short answer: cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27. One cubic yard is a 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft cube — 27 cubic feet. Use it for concrete, gravel, mulch, topsoil, sand and asphalt.
One cubic yard = 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet
Calculate cubic yards from dimensions
Convert an existing volume to cubic yards
How much area does one cubic yard cover?
| Depth | Area covered by 1 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 |
| 8 inches | 40.5 sq ft |
| 12 inches | 27 sq ft |
Coverage = 27 ÷ depth in feet. Add 5–10% for waste when ordering.
Typical weight per cubic yard
| Material | Weight per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| Concrete | ~4,050 lb (~2.0 tons) |
| Gravel / crushed stone | ~2,700 lb (~1.35 tons) |
| Sand (dry) | ~2,700 lb (~1.35 tons) |
| Topsoil | ~2,000 lb (~1.0 ton) |
| Mulch | ~400–800 lb (~0.2–0.4 tons) |
| Asphalt | ~3,915 lb (~1.96 tons) |
Frequently asked questions
What is a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is a cube 3 feet long, 3 feet wide and 3 feet high. It holds exactly 27 cubic feet, about 0.765 cubic meters, or about 202 US gallons.
How many square feet does one cubic yard cover?
It depends on depth: 1 cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, 81 sq ft at 4 inches, 54 sq ft at 6 inches, and 27 sq ft at 12 inches deep.
How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?
About 4,050 lb (about 2 tons). Gravel and dry sand are about 2,700 lb per yard, topsoil about 2,000 lb, and mulch about 400–800 lb, depending on moisture.