Cubic yards are the unit most often used to order or measure bulk material such as soil, mulch, gravel and concrete. This calculator takes the length, width and height or depth of a box-shaped space and works out its volume in cubic feet, cubic yards and cubic metres. You can use it for a room, a container, a hole or a load.
Enter each measurement in feet. The optional count box lets you multiply the result when you have several identical spaces, such as three identical holes or four matching bins.
How to use the cubic yards calculator
- Measure the length of the space in feet and enter it in the Length box.
- Measure the width in feet and enter it in the Width box.
- Measure the height or depth in feet and enter it in the Height or depth box.
- If you have more than one identical space, enter how many in the How many of them box. Leave it blank or at 1 for a single space.
- Read the Volume results. The calculator shows cubic feet, cubic yards and cubic metres so you can compare with the unit your supplier uses.
The formula
- Cubic feet = length × width × height × how many
- Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27 (a cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft)
- Cubic metres = cubic feet × 0.028316846592 (0.3048 × 0.3048 × 0.3048)
Worked example
The figures below are made up to show the maths. They are not current prices, rates or product figures.
| Length | 10 ft |
|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft |
| Height or depth | 4 ft |
| How many of them | 1 |
- Volume 320.00 cubic feet
- Volume 11.85 cubic yards
- Volume 9.061 cubic metres
Tips for an accurate answer
- Measure the inside of a container or hole, not the outside, if you want the space it can hold.
- For a hole or trench, measure the depth from the surface down to the bottom, not the depth of the soil you plan to add.
- If you are ordering material, add a small margin to your figure, since material settles and some is lost during spreading.
- Check the unit label on each result before you order, because cubic feet and cubic yards are very different numbers.
Questions people ask
What is a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is a cube that measures 3 feet on every side. It is the standard unit for ordering bulk materials in the US. The calculator converts your cubic feet result into cubic yards for you.
How do I measure in feet and inches?
Then enter that value in the matching box.
Can I use this for a room?
Yes. Enter the room's length, width and height in feet to get its volume. This is useful for estimating air volume or for working out how much space a load will fill.
What does the How many of them box do?
It multiplies the volume of one space by the number you enter. Use it when you have several identical containers, holes or loads and want the combined total.
Why do I get three different volume figures?
The same volume is shown in cubic feet, cubic yards and cubic metres. Each is a different unit of measure, so the numbers differ, but they describe the same amount of space.
Sources
- 1 foot = 0.3048 metre exactly, so 1 inch (a twelfth of a foot) = 2.54 cm. Source: NIST, Revised unit conversion factors (the international foot).
- 1 yard = 0.9144 metre (3 feet). Source: NIST, NIST Guide to the SI, Appendix B.8: Factors for units listed alphabetically.
An estimate from the numbers you enter, worked out with the formula shown. Check quantities with your supplier before you order. Formulas and examples reviewed 24 Oct 2026. Read the disclaimer