A cubic yard is a unit of volume equal to 27 cubic feet (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft). It is the standard measurement for ordering bulk materials like concrete, mulch, gravel, and topsoil.
Calculating Cubic Yards
Cubic yards = (Length × Width × Depth in feet) ÷ 27. If your measurements are in inches, divide each by 12 first to convert to feet.
Common Material Weights per Cubic Yard
- Concrete: ~4,050 lbs (2 tons)
- Gravel: ~2,800 lbs (1.4 tons)
- Mulch: ~400-800 lbs
- Topsoil: ~2,200 lbs (1.1 tons)
- Sand: ~2,700 lbs (1.35 tons)
Real-World Example
A garden bed 20 ft × 4 ft needs 3 inches of mulch. Cubic yards: (20 × 4 × 0.25) ÷ 27 = 0.74 cy. Round up to 1 cubic yard. At $35-50 per cubic yard delivered, total cost: $35-50. One cubic yard of mulch covers about 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wheelbarrow loads in a cubic yard?
A standard wheelbarrow holds about 3 cubic feet. One cubic yard (27 cubic feet) requires approximately 9 wheelbarrow loads. A contractor-size wheelbarrow (6 cf) takes about 4.5 loads.
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide cubic feet by 27. For example, 54 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 2 cubic yards. To go the other direction, multiply cubic yards by 27.
Should I order extra material?
Yes. Add 5-10% for gravel, mulch, and soil to account for settling and uneven spreading. For concrete, add 10% for waste, spillage, and slight over-excavation. It is much better to have a small amount extra than to run short mid-project.