Cubic Yard

Definition

A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet — the US bulk unit for concrete, gravel, soil and mulch. Volume = length × width × (depth in inches / 12), then yards = cubic feet / 27. One cubic metre is about 1.308 cubic yards. Above about 1 yd³ (0.76 m³, 45 bags of 80 lb) a ready-mix quote is worth getting, though small loads often carry a short-load fee. US 60 lb bags yield about 0.45 ft³ and 80 lb bags about 0.60 ft³; metric mode still uses those bag yields as a planning number.

Calculators that use this

• Masonry & site work

  Concrete Volume & Bag Estimator

  Convert slab or footing dimensions into cubic yards or cubic metres and 60 lb / 80 lb bag counts, with optional waste.

• Masonry & site work

  Gravel / Soil / Mulch Volume Calculator

  Convert a rectangular bed into cubic yards or cubic metres of gravel, soil or mulch from length, width, depth and waste.