Measurement & Project Planning calculator
Cubic Yards Calculator
Convert material or excavation volume into cubic yards for bulk ordering, haulage and landscaping estimates.
Convert material or excavation volume into cubic yards for bulk ordering, haulage and landscaping estimates. This estimate is most useful when the inputs reflect the job as it will actually be built, fitted or coated. Give particular attention to the selected cubic units. A cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. Keep the volume conversion separate from any later density conversion used to estimate tons.
What you need to enter
The Cubic Yards Calculator uses the following project information to calculate the result.
- Value
- From unit
- To unit
Calculator result
Converted volume
How the Cubic Yards Calculator works
To produce converted volume, the Cubic Yards Calculator applies standard metric/imperial volume conversion. The engine is configured for volume converted to cubic yards, not as a generic text estimate. Check the selected cubic units, since an incorrect value there can materially change the result.
Cubic Yards Calculator worked example
Cubic Yards Calculator example: If the starting volume is 2.0 m³, that is about 70.63 ft³ or 2.62 yd³. Select the correct source and target volume units in the cubic yards rather than converting a single linear dimension. The worked figure becomes more useful when the selected cubic units is taken from the real product or site rather than a generic default.
Important calculation assumptions
For volume converted to cubic yards, a cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. Keep the volume conversion separate from any later density conversion used to estimate tons.
Frequently asked questions
Why are cubic yards common for bulk materials?
Landscape and construction suppliers often sell soil, mulch, gravel and similar bulk products by cubic yard, so converting the measured project volume helps with ordering.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. The calculator applies that full volume relationship rather than a simple three-feet-to-one-yard length conversion.
Should I add waste before or after converting to cubic yards?
Either order can work mathematically if done consistently, but it is usually clearest to calculate the project volume first, convert units, then apply the project-specific allowance.