Cubic Yard Calculator

What is the Cubic Yard Calculator?

Convert dimensions in feet into cubic yards for dirt, sand, concrete or mulch. Soil, sand, gravel and mulch are sold by the cubic yard, so converting length, width and depth avoids ordering too much or too little.

How to use the Cubic Yard Calculator

1. Enter your length, your width, your depth.
2. Results update automatically as you type; you can also press Calculate.
3. Read the output: cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters.
4. Use the 📊 chart to see the result visually, then copy or share it.

Formula and method

Worked example

With length = 12 ft, width = 12 ft, depth = 6 in, the Cubic Yard Calculator returns cubic yards: 2.667; cubic feet: 72.00; cubic meters: 2.039.

Where the Cubic Yard Calculator helps in real life

You are filling a 16 × 4 ft raised bed 10 inches deep with topsoil. The calculator converts that into cubic yards for a bulk order.

A landscaper quotes per cubic yard for sand under a patio. Calculating the volume yourself lets you check the quote.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Entering depth in feet when it was measured in inches.
• Forgetting that loose material compacts after spreading.
• Measuring an irregular area as one rectangle.
• Ordering bulk material for very small jobs where bags are cheaper.

💡 Practical tip: One cubic yard covers about 324 square feet at 1 inch deep — handy for quick estimates.

Tips for better results

• Split odd shapes into rectangles and add them up.
• Add 5–10% for settling and compaction.
• Ask your supplier about minimum delivery amounts.

⚠️ Material estimates are approximate. Follow local building codes and manufacturer instructions.

Related tools