Cubic Yard Calculator
Convert project dimensions into cubic feet and cubic yards, add extra material, and round to a supplier order increment.
Behind the numbers
How cubic yards are calculated
Cubic feet ÷ 27 = cubic yards
Real-world project example
How many cubic yards of material for a 12 × 20 ft area?
A 12 × 20 ft area covered 3 inches deep contains 60 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get approximately 2.22 cubic yards. With 10% extra, the calculated requirement is about 2.44 cubic yards. A supplier that sells half-yard increments would round this example to 2.5 cubic yards, assuming no order minimum.
Before you buy materials
Use consistent units and specify whether the desired depth is compacted or loose. Bulk-material settling, density, and minimum-order requirements vary by material and supplier.
Adjust the measurements, waste allowance and purchase options in the calculator above to estimate your own project; examples are for planning only.
Project guide: Soil for a 4 × 8 ft raised bed →