Calculate cubic yards from dimensions
A cubic yard measures volume, not area or weight. Enter length and width in feet and depth in inches, or use meters and centimeters. The calculator converts all three dimensions to matching units before multiplying.
Length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324 = cubic yards
In metric units: length (m) × width (m) × depth (cm) ÷ 100 = cubic meters.
A worked example
20 ft × 12 ft × (3 ÷ 12) ft = 60 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get 2.22 cubic yards, equivalent to 1.70 cubic meters.
Cubic yard coverage reference
Coverage changes with depth; these figures apply to one cubic yard spread evenly over a level rectangle.
| Project or depth | Planning reference |
|---|---|
| 1 in deep | about 324 sq ft |
| 2 in deep | about 162 sq ft |
| 3 in deep | about 108 sq ft |
| 6 in deep | about 54 sq ft |
Before you order
For multiple rectangular sections, calculate them separately and add their volumes before ordering. Do not add overlapping areas twice. This tool assumes a level, rectangular layer; it does not calculate tapered piles, cylinders or excavation slopes.