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Trowelly

Cubic Yard Calculator

Turn an area and depth into cubic yards for any material sold by the yard, with rough weights for common landscape materials.

Units
ft
ft
in
%

Results

Cubic yards
1.85 yd³
Cubic feet
50 ft³
Cubic meters
1.42 m³
  • Approximate weight: gravel 2.59 tons, sand 2.5 tons, topsoil 2.04 tons, mulch 0.56 tons.

Where to buy

Quantities from your result, with links to search each store.

Your ZIP code stays on this device. We use it to show stores and suppliers in your area.

Links search each store’s website. Check prices and stock before you go.

How to use the cubic yard calculator

  1. Choose a Shape: rectangle, circle, triangle, or I know the area.
  2. Enter the dimensions and the Depth in inches.
  3. Add an Extra allowance if you want one (it starts at 0%).
  4. Read cubic yards, cubic feet and cubic meters, plus approximate weights below the results.

How it works

A cubic yard is a cube 3 ft on each side, or 27 ft³. The calculator finds the area of your shape, multiplies by depth in feet and divides by 27. There is no extra allowance unless you add one.

Approximate weights use typical densities: gravel 1.4 tons, sand 1.35 tons, topsoil 1.1 tons and mulch 0.3 tons per cubic yard. Real materials vary with moisture and size.

Cubic feet = area (ft²) × depth (in) ÷ 12 × (1 + extra %)

Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27

Cubic meters = cubic feet × 0.0283

Worked example

With the default inputs, a 10 × 10 ft area 6 in deep is 50 ft³. Divided by 27, that is 1.85 cubic yards, or 1.42 m³.

At typical densities that volume would weigh about 2.59 tons as gravel, 2.5 tons as sand, 2.04 tons as topsoil or 0.56 tons as mulch.

Tips before you buy

  • Convert inches to feet before multiplying: 4 in is 0.333 ft and 6 in is 0.5 ft.
  • Most suppliers sell in whole or half yards, so round your order up.
  • For irregular areas, add the areas of simple shapes and use I know the area.
  • Add 5–15% extra for materials that compact or settle, such as gravel or soil.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?

Divide by 27. For example, 54 ft³ is 2 cubic yards.

How many cubic yards is a 10×10 area 4 inches deep?

10 × 10 × 0.333 ft = 33.3 ft³, which is 1.23 cubic yards before any extra allowance.

How much does a cubic yard weigh?

It depends on the material. Typical figures are about 1.4 tons for gravel, 1.35 tons for sand, 1.1 tons for topsoil and 0.3 tons for wood mulch.

How many cubic meters are in a cubic yard?

One cubic yard is about 0.765 cubic meters, and one cubic meter is about 1.31 cubic yards.

Is a yard of material the same as a ton?

No. A yard is a volume and a ton is a weight. A yard of gravel weighs about 1.4 tons, while a yard of mulch weighs far less.

Results are estimates based on the measurements you enter and typical material properties. Products vary, so check quantities with your supplier and follow product labels and your local building codes. Read the full disclaimer. Last reviewed October 9, 2026.