Cubic Yard Calculator
A Cubic Yard Calculator is an essential tool for landscaping, construction, and DIY projects in North America. It accurately computes material volumes (like soil, gravel, or concrete) in cubic yards—the standard measurement unit for bulk materials. Our intuitive calculator handles unit conversions (feet/inches/yards) and provides visual representations for effortless planning.
What Is It?
This digital tool eliminates manual calculation errors when determining:
- Landscaping material quantities
- Concrete volumes for foundations
- Mulch/gravel requirements
- Pool backfill measurements
Key features:
✓ Real-time 3D volume calculation
✓ Unit-conversion intelligence
✓ Visual doughnut chart display
✓ Mobile-responsive design
How to Use
Enter Dimensions
- Input length/width/depth in your preferred unit (feet, inches, or yards)
Select Measurement Unit
- Choose from feet (standard), inches (for precision), or yards (large-scale projects)
View Results
- Instant cubic yard calculation appears
- Interactive chart shows material volume proportion
Application Tips
- For irregular areas: Divide into rectangular sections
- Add 10% extra for compaction/settling
FAQs
Q: Why cubic yards?
A: The industry standard for bulk materials in the US/Canada (1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet)
Q: How accurate are results?
A: Precision depends on input measurements. Calculator uses exact conversion factors.
Q: Can I calculate multiple materials?
A: Yes—repeat calculations for each material type.
Q: Does depth affect results significantly?
A: Yes! Depth is equally critical as length/width in volume calculations.
Terminology Explained
- Cubic Yard: Volume of a cube with 1-yard (3-ft) sides (≈0.765 cubic meters)
- Compaction Factor: Additional material needed to account for settling (typically 10-15%)
- Base Material: Foundation layer (e.g., gravel) under surface materials
- Screeding: Leveling material to uniform depth
Pro Tip: Bookmark this calculator for quick access during project planning!