Cubic Yard Calculator
Find out how many cubic yards you need for a concrete slab, a hole to fill, or a load of dirt or sand. Enter the length, width, and depth, add some extra for waste, and enter a price per yard for a cost estimate.
Cubic yards
1.63
Check the highlighted fields to see your result.
- Cubic meters
- 1.25
- Cubic feet
- 44
- Estimated cost
- —
Results are estimates for information only and do not constitute financial, medical, or legal advice.
How it works
Multiply the length and width in feet by the depth converted to feet (inches ÷ 12) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Ready-mix concrete and bulk materials are sold by the cubic yard.
The formula
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27
Worked example
A 12 × 10 ft patio slab, 4 inches thick, with 10% extra.
- Volume: 12 × 10 × 4 ÷ 12 = 40 cubic feet.
- In cubic yards: 40 ÷ 27 ≈ 1.48.
- With 10% extra: 1.48 × 1.10 ≈ 1.63 cubic yards.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
27. A cubic yard is a cube 3 feet on each side, and 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 cubic feet. A cubic yard is also about 0.765 cubic meters.
How thick should a concrete slab be?
About 4 inches for patios, sidewalks, and shed floors, and 5 to 6 inches for driveways and garage floors that carry vehicles. Footings and structural slabs depend on the design, so follow your plans or ask a professional.
Why add extra for waste?
Forms bulge, the ground is never perfectly flat, and some concrete is always left in the truck or the mixer. Running short in the middle of a pour is a big problem, so most people order 5% to 10% more.