Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about cubic yard calculations, material estimates, and volume measurements.
Basic Concepts
What is a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is a unit of volume measurement equal to a cube that measures 3 feet on each side. It equals 27 cubic feet and is commonly used for measuring construction materials like concrete, soil, gravel, and mulch.
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
- 1 cubic yard = 0.764555 cubic meters
- 1 cubic yard = 46,656 cubic inches
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. This comes from 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet = 27 cubic feet.
What's the difference between cubic yards and square yards?
Cubic yards measure volume (3-dimensional), while square yards measure area (2-dimensional). Cubic yards include length, width, and depth/height, whereas square yards only include length and width.
Why are materials sold by cubic yards?
Cubic yards are the standard unit for bulk materials because they provide a consistent way to measure volume regardless of the material's weight or density. It's easier to transport and price materials by volume rather than weight.
Calculations
How do I calculate cubic yards?
To calculate cubic yards, use this formula:
Make sure all measurements are in feet before calculating.
Can I use different units in the same calculation?
Yes, but you must convert all measurements to the same unit first. Our calculator handles this automatically, but if calculating manually:
- Inches to feet: divide by 12
- Meters to feet: multiply by 3.28084
- Centimeters to feet: multiply by 0.0328084
How do I calculate for irregular shapes?
Break irregular shapes into simpler geometric shapes:
- Divide the area into rectangles, triangles, or circles
- Calculate the cubic yards for each section
- Add all sections together for the total
How do I calculate for a circular area?
For circular areas, use the formula:
Or multiply the diameter × diameter × depth × 0.785, then divide by 27.
Materials
How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?
A cubic yard of concrete typically weighs between 3,000-4,000 pounds (1.5-2 tons), depending on the mix and aggregate used. Standard concrete averages about 3,700 pounds per cubic yard.
How many bags of concrete do I need per cubic yard?
For 60-pound bags of concrete mix, you need approximately 45 bags per cubic yard. For 80-pound bags, you need about 34 bags per cubic yard.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel typically weighs 2,400-2,900 pounds (1.2-1.45 tons), depending on the type and size of gravel. Use 1.3 tons as a general estimate.
How deep should I make my concrete slab?
Common concrete slab depths:
- Sidewalks: 4 inches
- Patios: 4-6 inches
- Driveways: 6-8 inches
- Garage floors: 6 inches
- Heavy-duty areas: 8+ inches
How much mulch do I need for my garden?
For garden beds, apply mulch 2-3 inches deep. One cubic yard covers:
- 108 square feet at 3 inches deep
- 162 square feet at 2 inches deep
- 324 square feet at 1 inch deep
Practical Tips
Should I order extra material?
Yes, always order 10-15% extra material to account for:
- Measurement errors
- Material waste and spillage
- Compaction and settling
- Irregular surfaces
- Future repairs or touch-ups
How do I know if my supplier uses cubic yards or cubic feet?
Always confirm with your supplier. Most bulk material suppliers use cubic yards, but some smaller retailers may use cubic feet. When in doubt, ask specifically and convert if necessary.
What's the best way to measure my project area?
Use a measuring tape and follow these tips:
- Measure length and width at multiple points
- Use stakes and string for large areas
- Take photos with measurements noted
- Double-check all measurements
- Account for slopes and irregular edges
Can I calculate cubic yards for a sloped area?
Yes, measure the depth at multiple points and use the average depth in your calculation. For significant slopes, consider breaking the area into sections with different average depths.
Still Have Questions?
Use our calculator for instant, accurate cubic yard calculations, or contact us for additional help.