Calculate cubic yards from dimensions or convert between cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters, tons, and gallons. Includes material weight estimates for concrete, gravel, soil, mulch, and sand.
The cubic yard is the standard unit of volume in the US construction industry. Whether you're ordering concrete, gravel, soil, mulch, or sand, suppliers sell and deliver in cubic yards. Understanding how to calculate and convert cubic yards is essential for accurate ordering and budgeting. This guide covers every formula, conversion, and practical application.
| Material | Weight per Yd³ | Tons per Yd³ | Typical Cost/Yd³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | 4,050 lbs | 2.03 | $125–$165 |
| Gravel (crushed) | 2,800 lbs | 1.40 | $25–$50 |
| Sand | 2,700 lbs | 1.35 | $25–$45 |
| Topsoil | 2,200 lbs | 1.10 | $20–$40 |
| Fill Dirt | 2,300 lbs | 1.15 | $10–$25 |
| Mulch (wood) | 600–800 lbs | 0.30–0.40 | $20–$45 |
| Crushed Limestone | 3,000 lbs | 1.50 | $30–$55 |
| Asphalt | 3,960 lbs | 1.98 | $100–$200 |
How much area one cubic yard covers at different depths: at 1 inch = 324 sq ft, 2 inches = 162 sq ft, 3 inches = 108 sq ft, 4 inches = 81 sq ft, 6 inches = 54 sq ft, 12 inches = 27 sq ft. The formula is simple: Coverage = 324 ÷ Depth (inches).
A standard dump truck holds 10–14 cubic yards. A tandem-axle dump truck holds 14–18 cubic yards. A concrete mixer truck holds 8–10 cubic yards. A pickup truck (full-size) holds 1–2 cubic yards of lightweight material (mulch, topsoil) or 0.5–1 cubic yard of heavy material (gravel, sand). Know your truck capacity to determine how many loads you need for delivery.
Outside the US, cubic meters (m³) is the standard volume unit. The conversion is: 1 cubic yard = 0.7646 cubic meters and 1 cubic meter = 1.308 cubic yards. For international material specifications, this conversion is essential. Our calculator converts automatically between all volume units.