Cubic Yards Calculator
Enter the length, width, and depth of your area to find out how many cubic yards of material (concrete, gravel, mulch, or soil) you need.
How to calculate cubic yards
Convert every measurement to feet, multiply length × width × depth to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 (because there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard). Depth is usually given in inches, so divide it by 12 first.
Cubic Yards = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth ft) ÷ 27
Worked example
A patio 10 ft long, 10 ft wide, with 4 inches of concrete.
- Depth = 4 in ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
- Volume = 10 × 10 × 0.333 = 33.3 ft³
- Cubic yards = 33.3 ÷ 27
Result: 1.23 cubic yards
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate cubic yards?
Multiply length × width × depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. For example, 10 ft × 10 ft × 0.5 ft = 50 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft).
How do I convert a depth in inches to feet?
Divide the depth in inches by 12. For example, 6 inches ÷ 12 = 0.5 feet. This calculator does the conversion for you when you select 'inches'.
How many cubic yards of concrete do I need for a slab?
Measure the slab's length, width, and thickness, enter them above, and the calculator returns the cubic yards. Order about 10% extra to allow for spillage and uneven ground.