Cubic Yard Calculator
Convert between cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters for construction materials
🔄 Convert From
🧱 Material Type (optional)
Affects weight estimate only
📊 Conversion Results
Cubic Yards
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Cubic Feet
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Cubic Meters
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⚠️ Disclaimer: Always consult a structural engineer for load-bearing elements. This tool provides estimates only. Material weights vary by moisture and composition.
📖 How to Use This Cubic Yard Calculator
Follow these steps to convert between volume units for construction materials:
- Select what you want to convert from — Cubic Yards, Cubic Feet, or Cubic Meters.
- Enter the volume — Type your number in the input field.
- Select material type (optional) — Helps estimate weight for delivery planning.
- Click convert — See instant conversions to all three units plus weight estimate.
Conversion Formulas:
1 Cubic Yard = 27 Cubic Feet
1 Cubic Yard = 0.764555 Cubic Meters
1 Cubic Foot = 0.037037 Cubic Yards
1 Cubic Meter = 1.30795 Cubic Yards
1 Cubic Yard = 27 Cubic Feet
1 Cubic Yard = 0.764555 Cubic Meters
1 Cubic Foot = 0.037037 Cubic Yards
1 Cubic Meter = 1.30795 Cubic Yards
Pro tip: Use cubic yards for ordering concrete, gravel, or soil from suppliers. Most construction materials are sold by the cubic yard.
🏗️ Real-World Conversion Examples
Example 1: Concrete for Driveway (5 cubic yards)
5 yd³ × 27 = 135 cubic feet
5 yd³ × 0.764555 = 3.82 cubic meters
Weight (concrete @ 4,050 lbs/yd³): 20,250 lbs (10.1 tons)
5 yd³ × 27 = 135 cubic feet
5 yd³ × 0.764555 = 3.82 cubic meters
Weight (concrete @ 4,050 lbs/yd³): 20,250 lbs (10.1 tons)
Example 2: Gravel for Pathway (100 cubic feet)
100 ft³ ÷ 27 = 3.70 cubic yards
100 ft³ × 0.0283168 = 2.83 cubic meters
Weight (gravel @ 2,700 lbs/yd³): 10,000 lbs (5 tons)
100 ft³ ÷ 27 = 3.70 cubic yards
100 ft³ × 0.0283168 = 2.83 cubic meters
Weight (gravel @ 2,700 lbs/yd³): 10,000 lbs (5 tons)
Example 3: Topsoil for Garden (2 cubic meters)
2 m³ × 1.30795 = 2.62 cubic yards
2 m³ × 35.3147 = 70.6 cubic feet
Weight (soil @ 2,200 lbs/yd³): 5,764 lbs (2.9 tons)
2 m³ × 1.30795 = 2.62 cubic yards
2 m³ × 35.3147 = 70.6 cubic feet
Weight (soil @ 2,200 lbs/yd³): 5,764 lbs (2.9 tons)
Example 4: Mulch for Landscaping (50 cubic feet)
50 ft³ ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards
50 ft³ × 0.0283168 = 1.42 cubic meters
Bags needed (2 cu ft bag): 25 bags
50 ft³ ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards
50 ft³ × 0.0283168 = 1.42 cubic meters
Bags needed (2 cu ft bag): 25 bags
📊 Material Weight Reference (per cubic yard)
Concrete
3,600 – 4,200 lbs
3,600 – 4,200 lbs
Gravel / Crushed Stone
2,400 – 2,900 lbs
2,400 – 2,900 lbs
Topsoil / Fill Dirt
2,000 – 2,700 lbs
2,000 – 2,700 lbs
Mulch / Compost
600 – 1,000 lbs
600 – 1,000 lbs
Sand
2,600 – 3,000 lbs
2,600 – 3,000 lbs
Note: A standard pickup truck holds 2-3 cubic yards. A dump truck holds 10-15 cubic yards.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard (3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet = 27 cubic feet).
How many cubic yards are in a cubic meter?
1 cubic meter = 1.30795 cubic yards. To convert cubic meters to cubic yards, multiply by 1.30795.
How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?
A cubic yard of concrete weighs approximately 4,050 pounds (about 2 tons). This includes the weight of cement, sand, gravel, and water.
How many cubic yards can a concrete truck hold?
A standard ready-mix concrete truck holds 8 to 12 cubic yards. Short loads under 5 yards may incur additional fees.
How many cubic yards can a pickup truck hold?
A standard 1/2 ton pickup can safely hold 2-3 cubic yards (about 3-4 tons) of material. Full-size 3/4 ton trucks can hold 3-4 cubic yards. Always check your truck’s payload capacity.
How do I calculate cubic yards from dimensions?
Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. Example: 20 ft × 10 ft × 0.5 ft = 100 cu ft ÷ 27 = 3.7 cubic yards.
