Landscape & Groundwork
Cubic Yard Calculator
Convert length, width and depth into cubic feet, cubic yards and cubic metres.
Enter your measurements
Results update as you type.
About this calculator
Enter a rectangular or circular area with its depth (or a known area with depth) and get the volume in cubic yards, cubic feet and cubic metres. Add a quantity for repeated identical sections and an optional price per cubic yard or cubic metre to estimate cost.
How to measure
- Break the job into separate rectangles when depths or shapes differ — never average depths of different areas.
- Measure depth at several spots and use the average within one section.
- Use the quantity field only for identical sections.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the length and width (or diameter) of the space, and the depth of material you plan to place.
- Enter the measurements in any supported units — the tool converts each field separately.
- Set quantity if you have several identical sections.
- Calculate, then read the volume in yd³, ft³ and m³.
Formula
Rectangle area = length × width; circle area = π × diameter² ÷ 4
Volume = area × depth × quantity
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27 (exact)
Assumptions
- Depth is uniform across the whole area.
- All conversions use international definitions: 12 in/ft, 3 ft/yd, 27 ft³/yd³, 0.3048 m/ft.
- No waste, compaction or settlement allowance is applied — add that explicitly in the gravel, sand or topsoil tools.
Cubic yard conversions
| Quantity | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 yd³ | 27 ft³ |
| 1 yd³ | 0.764554857984 m³ |
| 1 m³ | about 1.308 yd³ |
Derived from exact international inch, foot and yard conversions (NIST).
Common mistakes
- Multiplying inches of depth by feet of length without converting units.
- Counting the same overlapping section twice.
- Treating a geometric volume as a compacted material order without a stated conversion.
Worked example
Try it: press “Load example” above the form.
A 12 ft × 9 ft area at 3 in deep is 27 ft³ = exactly 1 yd³.
Limitations
Area alone is insufficient for volume — depth is required. This tool does not provide excavation design or concrete mix recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide by 27. The international yard is exactly 3 ft, so a cubic yard is exactly 27 ft³. Keep depth in feet before multiplying it by length and width in feet.
Does this include extra material?
The geometric volume describes the measured space. Any allowance must be applied explicitly. A delivery minimum, compaction factor or bag count requires the matching material or product information.
What does the worked example show?
A 12 ft × 9 ft area at 3 in deep is 27 ft³ = exactly 1 yd³.
Which assumptions should I check before using the result?
Area alone is insufficient for volume — depth is required. This tool does not provide excavation design or concrete mix recommendations.
Sources
Sources explain the methods and any named product presets. Check your product label where coverage, yield or density differs.
Calculation documentation · Updated 2026-11-08 · Version 1.6.4. Estimates are planning aids. Confirm quantities, coverage and prices with your supplier before purchasing. Found an error? Report it.
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