Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate cubic yards from square feet and depth, length by width by depth, or round area depth.
This page keeps cubic yards as the main result and includes quick conversions to cubic feet, cubic meters, and US gallons.
Results
This is a quick cubic yard calculator for simple material volume. Tons require material density, and costs depend on supplier, delivery, and waste.
How to use this calculator
- 01Choose area + depth, length x width x depth, or round area + depth.
- 02Enter the square-foot area and depth, or enter dimensions in feet and extra inches.
- 03Read cubic yards as the primary material volume.
- 04Use the cubic feet, cubic meters, and US gallons rows when you need a quick conversion.
If you need the surface area first, use the Square Footage Calculator. For cubic-foot inputs, use the Cubic Feet Calculator.
Understanding the math
Cubic yards measure volume. Convert depth and dimensions to feet first, find cubic feet, then divide by 27.
area_depth_cubic_yards = square_feet x depth_ft / 27 dimension_cubic_yards = length_ft x width_ft x depth_ft / 27 round_area_cubic_yards = pi x (diameter_ft / 2)^2 x depth_ft / 27 cubic_feet = cubic_yards x 27 cubic_meters = cubic_yards x 0.764554858 us_gallons = cubic_yards x 201.974026
Cubic yard conversion table
Use these common conversions as a quick check when you need cubic feet, m³, gallons, or coverage from a cubic-yard volume. For meter-first inputs, use the Cubic Meter Calculator.
| Cubic yard amount | Equivalent | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cu yd | 27 cu ft | 0.765 m³ |
| 2 cu yd | 54 cu ft | 1.529 m³ |
| 5 cu yd | 135 cu ft | 3.823 m³ |
| 1 cu yd | 202 US gal | volume conversion |
| 1 cu yd at 3 in deep | about 108 sq ft | coverage check |
| 1 cu yd at 4 in deep | about 81 sq ft | coverage check |
Frequently asked questions
How to calculate cubic yards?
For a rectangular area, multiply length x width x depth in feet, then divide cubic feet by 27.
How to calculate cubic yards from square feet?
Multiply square feet by depth in feet, then divide by 27. For example, 324 sq ft at 3 inches deep is 3 cu yd.
How to calculate cubic yards of concrete?
Use the same volume formula with slab or footing dimensions. The Concrete Calculator is better for full concrete estimates because it also handles bags, waste, and weight.
Is a cubic yard 3 ft by 3 ft?
Yes. One cubic yard is a cube 3 ft long, 3 ft wide, and 3 ft deep, which equals 27 cubic feet.
How much area does 1 cu yard cover?
Coverage depends on depth. At 3 inches deep, 1 cubic yard covers about 108 sq ft. At 4 inches deep, it covers about 81 sq ft.
Related calculators
Cubic Feet Calculator
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Cubic Meter Calculator
Calculate metric-first volume in cubic meters with quick cubic-yard conversion.
Square Footage Calculator
Calculate square footage first when you know area before adding material depth.
Concrete Calculator
Estimate concrete cubic yards, bags, weight, and waste for slabs, footings, and walls.
Gravel Calculator
Estimate gravel cubic yards, tons, bags, and cost from area and depth.