Cubic Yard Calculator
Each measurement can have its own unit, so you can mix feet with inches or metres with centimetres. Add a count for several identical areas and a waste allowance.
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Formula
volume = length × width × depth × number of areas, with every measurement converted to metres firstcubic yards = cubic metres ÷ 0.764554857984, which is the same ascubic feet ÷ 27- Order volume:
volume × (1 + waste % ÷ 100), with cubic yards rounded up to 0.01
Worked example
12 ft by 10 ft by 4 in, one area, 10% waste. Volume = 12 × 10 × (4 ÷ 12) = 40 ft³ = 1.481 yd³. With waste it is 44 ft³ = 1.630 yd³, shown as 1.63 cubic yards, or 1.246 m³.
Mixed units: 12 ft by 3.5 m by 10 cm, two areas, 10% waste. Volume = 3.6576 × 3.5 × 0.1 × 2 = 2.560 m³ (3.349 yd³). With waste it is 2.816 m³ = 3.69 cubic yards.
Assumptions
- 1 ft = 0.3048 m, 1 in = 0.0254 m, 1 yd = 0.9144 m exactly.
- All areas are identical, with the same length, width and depth.
- The waste allowance applies to the whole volume. Set it to 0 for the plain volume.
- Material shrinkage and compaction are not included.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate cubic yards?
Convert length, width and depth to the same unit, multiply them, then divide cubic feet by 27. A 12 ft by 10 ft area, 4 in deep, is 12 x 10 x 0.3333 = 40 ft3, which is 40 / 27 = 1.481 cubic yards.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 3 ft by 3 ft by 3 ft, so it holds 27 cubic feet. It is also exactly 0.764554857984 cubic metres.
Can I mix feet, inches and metres?
Yes. Each measurement has its own unit. For 12 ft by 3.5 m by 10 cm with 2 areas, the volume is 3.6576 x 3.5 x 0.1 x 2 = 2.560 m3, or 3.349 cubic yards before waste.
Why is the order quantity rounded up?
Suppliers sell by whole or fractional yards, and running short costs a second delivery. The order figure includes your waste allowance and is rounded up to the next 0.01 yd3. In the first example 1.481 yd3 plus 10% is 1.630, shown as 1.63.