Concrete slab
Input
10 ft × 10 ft, 4 in deep
Expected result
1.23 yd³ = 33.33 ft³
Calculators
Cubic Yard Calculator
Work out cubic yards of concrete, mulch, soil or sand from length, width and depth.
Loading interactive tool…
About this tool
Bulk materials such as concrete, mulch, topsoil, sand and compost are sold by the cubic yard, a cube 3 feet on each side, which holds 27 cubic feet. This cubic yard calculator converts a project's length, width and depth into cubic yards. Choose a rectangular or circular area, measure the length and width (or diameter) in feet, yards or meters, and the depth in inches, feet or centimeters, which is how most people measure a slab, bed or path. You can add a percentage for waste, spillage or settling and enter a price per cubic yard to estimate the cost. The result shows cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters and the area in square feet, plus the formula with your numbers: area × depth ÷ 27. The calculation runs as you type in your browser.
Why use it
Depth in inches: enter a 4-inch slab or 3-inch mulch layer directly without converting to feet.
Waste allowance: add a percentage for spillage, uneven ground or settling.
Cost estimate from the price per cubic yard your supplier quotes.
Circular areas: works for round patios, tree rings and circular beds.
Shows the working so you can check the figure before ordering.
How to use
- Choose a rectangular or circular area and the units for length and depth.
- Enter the length and width (or the diameter) and the depth.
- Add an extra percentage for waste if you want a safety margin.
- Optionally enter the price per cubic yard, then read the yards needed and the cost.
When it helps
- Ordering ready-mix concrete for a slab, footing or patio.
- Buying mulch, bark or compost for garden beds.
- Filling a raised bed or leveling a lawn with topsoil.
- Spreading sand under pavers or in a play area.
Examples
Mulch bed with waste and cost
Input
20 ft × 12 ft, 3 in deep, +10%, 45 per yd³
Expected result
2.44 yd³; estimated cost 110.00
Round patio
Input
Circle 12 ft across, 6 in deep
Expected result
2.09 yd³ = 56.55 ft³
Tips
- Measure depth at several points and use the average for uneven ground.
- Round your order up to the supplier's minimum increment, often a quarter or half yard.
- Mulch is usually spread 2 to 4 inches deep; check the product guidance for your plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate cubic yards?
Multiply length × width × depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. A 10 ft × 10 ft area 4 inches deep is 10 × 10 × 0.3333 = 33.33 cubic feet, or about 1.23 cubic yards.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
27 cubic feet, because a cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft.
How much does a cubic yard cover?
One cubic yard covers 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, or 81 sq ft at 4 inches.
How much extra should I order?
Suppliers commonly suggest around 5 to 10 percent extra for concrete to allow for spillage and uneven subgrade, and more for loose materials that settle. Use the waste field to add your chosen margin.
Can I use it for gravel?
It gives the volume in cubic yards, which works if your supplier sells gravel by the yard. If they sell by the ton, use the Gravel Calculator, which also converts volume to weight.
Does it estimate concrete bags?
No. It reports volume only. Check the bag label for its yield in cubic feet and divide the cubic feet result by that figure.
Explore the category
Glossary
- Cubic yard
- A volume of 3 × 3 × 3 feet, equal to 27 cubic feet or about 0.765 cubic meters.
- Yardage
- An informal name for the number of cubic yards of material ordered.
- Waste factor
- An extra percentage added to cover spillage, settling and over-excavation.
A LITTLE HELP. A LOT DONE.
Good tools.
Great flow.
Great flow.
Your shortcut to the everyday. Create, convert, calculate,
and get back to what you love.
/
✓ Free to use✓ No sign-up✓ 500+ possibilities