Cubic Yard Calculator
Calculate net volume for multiple rectangular, circular, triangular, or trapezoidal material zones.
How to use the cubic yards calculator
- Measure the actual project. Break irregular work into separate sections and record finished dimensions consistently.
- Enter the core measurements. The quick view focuses on project geometry; add or subtract sections where the calculator supports multiple areas.
- Review purchasing assumptions. Open Advanced inputs to replace example prices, waste, coverage, density, pack size, minimum order, or delivery assumptions with current project information.
- Calculate and verify. Review the formula, limitations, whole-unit rounding, product instructions, and supplier requirements before purchasing.
Key inputs covered: Waste allowance, Example price, Delivery charge, Minimum order, Area operation, Shape, Length, Width, Border width, Radius / outer radius, and additional project-specific assumptions.
Result coverage: The cubic yards calculator reports 4 separate quantities so the primary estimate and its supporting purchase or planning values can be checked together.
Convert project dimensions to cubic yards
Build a combined volume from rectangular, circular, triangular, or trapezoidal zones, then apply waste, minimum-order, price, and delivery assumptions.
Length, width, and depth to yards
Each zone is calculated in cubic feet and divided by 27. Keep all entered dimensions in the selected measurement system and measure the installed depth consistently.
Bulk ordering considerations
The order result can include waste and a supplier minimum. Compaction, density, moisture, and settlement are material-specific and should be handled with the matching calculator or supplier guidance.
How the estimate works
For every zone: shape area × depth × quantity. Add or subtract zones, apply waste, then divide cubic feet by 27.
A 20 ft × 10 ft area at 3 in deep with 10% waste requires about 2.04 yd³.
Assumptions, rounding, and limitations
Dimensions are treated as finished measurements. Only deductions and allowances entered above are included. Decimal measurements display to two places; purchase quantities round up when a whole container or piece is required.
- Take several depth measurements on uneven grades.
- Use subtract zones only when their volume is fully excluded.
- Confirm supplier minimums and ordering increments.
Sources and review
These references support unit conversions and selected planning assumptions. Product instructions and local requirements control the actual project.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-09
Editorial process
BuildPlanCalc publishes the formula, editable assumptions, limitations, and supporting references so the estimate can be checked rather than treated as a black box. See the calculation and review methodology, or report a correction.
Frequently asked questions
Are the results exact?
No. Results are planning estimates based on the dimensions and assumptions entered. Confirm product coverage, site conditions, and ordering rules with the supplier.
How many cubic feet are in one cubic yard?
One cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet.