Cubic Yard Calculator
Enter the length, width and depth of a space to get its volume in cubic yards, plus cubic feet, cubic meters and US gallons. It runs in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere.
Enter your values and press Calculate.
How to use this cubic yard calculator
- Measure the length, width and depth of the space. Pick the unit next to each number, so you can mix feet for length and width with inches for depth.
- Type each value. Depth is the thickness of the layer, for example 4 inches of gravel.
- If you have several areas of the same size, such as four planting beds, enter the count in “Number of identical areas”.
- Add a waste or settling percentage if you want a buffer, then press Calculate. Press Reset to clear the form, Copy result to copy the numbers, or Copy share link to share the same inputs.
How to calculate cubic yards
A cubic yard is a cube that measures 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet, so it holds 27 cubic feet. To find the cubic yards in a rectangular space, convert every side to feet, multiply them, then divide by 27.
- Cubic feet = length (ft) x width (ft) x depth (ft)
- Cubic yards = cubic feet / 27
- Depth in inches to feet = inches / 12
- Cubic meters = cubic feet x 0.0283168
- US gallons = cubic feet x 7.48052
If you add a waste percentage, the calculator multiplies the volume by (1 + percentage / 100).
Worked example
You want to fill a raised bed that is 12 ft long and 4 ft wide with soil 8 inches deep. Depth in feet is 8 / 12 = 0.6667 ft. Volume = 12 x 4 x 0.6667 = 32 cubic feet. Cubic yards = 32 / 27 = 1.19. With 10% extra for settling, 32 x 1.10 = 35.2 cubic feet, or 1.30 cubic yards.
Two identical beds would double those figures, so 2.37 cubic yards without the extra.
Assumptions & limits
- The space is a simple box with straight sides and a flat bottom. For a sloped, round or irregular area, split it into boxes or use the matching calculator.
- The result is volume only. Material is sold by volume, weight or bags, and weight depends on the material and its moisture. Use the gravel, topsoil or mulch calculators for weight and cost.
- Rounding is to two decimals for cubic yards. Suppliers often sell in half or quarter yard steps, so ask what the minimum order is.
- This is a maths tool. Always confirm quantities with your supplier or contractor.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard, because 3 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft = 27 cu ft.
How do I convert inches of depth to a cubic yard?
Divide the depth in inches by 12 to get feet, multiply by length and width in feet, then divide by 27. This calculator does that when you pick inches as the depth unit.
How many cubic yards of material is 1 inch deep over 100 square feet?
1 inch is 1/12 ft, so the volume is 100 x 1/12 = 8.33 cubic feet, or about 0.31 cubic yards.
Should I add extra to my order?
Many people add a few percent for settling, spillage or uneven ground. The right amount depends on the material and the job, so ask your supplier. Use the extra field to see the effect.
What is the difference between a cubic yard and a square yard?
A cubic yard measures volume (3 dimensions). A square yard measures area (2 dimensions) and equals 9 square feet.
Can I use metric units?
Yes. Choose meters or centimeters for any side. The result also shows cubic meters.
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Last updated: November 2026