Cubic Yard Calculator

Use this cubic yard calculator as a universal volume and material tool. It works as a calculator for cubic yards for dirt, mulch, gravel, sand, and concrete, and also estimates total weight in tons so you can order the right amount of material.

Enter your measurements using Length × Width × Depth or switch to Square Feet + Depth. Then choose a material from the dropdown (Dirt, Mulch, Gravel, Sand, or Concrete). The calculator outputs total cubic yards (yd³) and an estimated weight in tons to help with ordering and delivery planning.

Note: If you select Concrete, this tool provides a general yardage estimate for ordering. Need a precise slab or footing calculation? Use our Advanced Concrete Calculator.

Convert depth to feet: depth(ft) = inches ÷ 12

Volume in cubic feet: ft³ = Length(ft) × Width(ft) × Depth(ft)

Convert to cubic yards: yd³ = ft³ ÷ 27

Shortcut: yd³ = (Length × Width × Depth(ft)) ÷ 27

This page also works as a cubic yards to tons calculator. Weight depends on the material type and conditions like moisture and compaction, so results are estimates. The calculator uses typical density ranges to output an approximate total weight.

Weight formula (general): tons = (yd³ × lbs per yd³) ÷ 2000

Need the reverse conversion? Use the same tool as a tons to cubic yard calculator by entering total tons and selecting your material density (if your UI supports reverse mode).

Selecting a material helps estimate both volume and weight. These planning notes help you interpret results and order confidently.

Use the dirt option to calculate cubic yards of dirt or topsoil. This also works like a topsoil calculator in cubic yards for ordering bulk soil. Dirt weight varies significantly depending on moisture and compaction, so the tons output is an estimate.

Use this as a mulch calculator cubic yards tool for beds and landscaping. A common rule of thumb: 1 cubic yard of mulch covers about 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep. Coverage will change if you spread thicker or thinner.

Choose gravel to estimate yardage and weight for driveways, paths, and drainage. This cubic yard calculator gravel option gives a quick order estimate, but gravel weight varies by rock type and size.

The sand cubic yard calculator option helps estimate sand for pavers, leveling, and fill. Wet sand weighs more than dry sand, so tonnage can vary with weather and storage conditions.

Select concrete if you need a quick yardage estimate for ordering. For construction-specific guidance (slabs, footings, waste factors for pours, reinforcement planning), use the Advanced Concrete Calculator.

If you already know your area in square feet, you can convert using depth. This supports the most common workflow for landscaping and top-dressing where you know the area and desired thickness.

Formula: yd³ = (Square Feet × Depth(ft)) ÷ 27

This section is especially useful as a square feet to cubic yards calculator and sq ft to cubic yards calculator reference.

If you have volume in cubic feet, this tool also functions like a cubic feet to cubic yards calculator. Use the conversion: yd³ = ft³ ÷ 27 and ft³ = yd³ × 27.