Cubic Yard Calculator
Estimate material and costs for your landscaping or construction project.
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Project Summary
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Your Project Totals
Total Volume
0.00
Volume with Waste
0.00
Estimated Cost
$0
About the Cubic Yard Calculator
This tool is designed to help you accurately estimate the volume of material needed for landscaping and construction projects. Whether you're pouring a concrete slab, filling a garden bed with soil, or spreading mulch, knowing the correct volume is essential to avoid over-ordering or running out of material mid-project.
Formula Explained
The calculator first converts all measurements to a base unit (feet or meters), then calculates the volume in cubic feet or meters before converting to the final desired unit.
- Rectangle: Volume = Length × Width × Depth
- Circle: Volume = π × (Radius)² × Depth
- Triangle: Volume = 0.5 × Base × Height × Depth
The total cost is calculated by multiplying the final volume (including the waste factor) by the price per unit.
How to Get Better Results
For the most accurate estimate, follow these tips:
Measure Accurately
Use a tape measure for precise dimensions. For irregular shapes, break them down into smaller, regular shapes (rectangles, circles) and add them to the project list individually.
Account for Compaction
Materials like mulch and soil will compact after spreading and watering. The "Waste Factor" can be used to account for this—a 5-10% addition is a good starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cubic yard? →
A cubic yard is a measure of volume. It represents a cube that is 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 3 feet deep. This is equivalent to 27 cubic feet. It's a common unit of measurement for materials like concrete, mulch, gravel, and soil.
How do I calculate cubic yards for a circular area? →
To calculate the volume for a circular area like a fire pit base or a round garden, you need two measurements: the radius (half the diameter) and the depth. The calculator uses the formula π × (Radius)² × Depth to find the volume in cubic feet and then converts it to cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh? →
A cubic yard of ready-mix concrete typically weighs around 4,000 pounds (or 2 tons). This can vary slightly depending on the specific mix of aggregates, water, and cement used.