Cubic Yard Calculator
Estimate soil, gravel, mulch, sand or fill in cubic yards from a rectangular area and depth. The result includes an adjustable allowance and optional price.
How this calculator works
Depth is converted from inches to feet, multiplied by length and width, then divided by 27 because one cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet.
Formula: yd³ = L × W × (depth in ÷ 12) × (1 + allowance) ÷ 27
Worked example
A 20 ft by 10 ft bed at 4 in deep contains 2.47 yd³ net. A 10% allowance raises the order estimate to about 2.72 yd³.
Before you order
- Ask the supplier whether material is sold loose, compacted or by weight.
- Use a larger allowance over uneven grade or for compacted base.
- This rectangular estimate does not model slopes or irregular excavation.