Cubic Yard
Definition
A cubic yard (cu yd or yd³) is the standard bulk volume measurement in US construction, equal to 27 cubic feet (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft). Concrete, gravel, mulch, topsoil, sand, and fill dirt are all ordered and priced by the cubic yard. One cubic yard of concrete covers approximately 81 square feet at 4 inches thick or 54 square feet at 6 inches thick. A standard concrete mixer truck delivers 8–10 cubic yards per load. Typical costs: concrete $125–$160/yd³, topsoil $25–$55/yd³, mulch $30–$45/yd³.
Why is Cubic Yard Important?
For homeowners, contractors, and DIY builders across the United States, understanding Cubic Yard is essential to accurate material estimation and cost planning. Whether you are pouring a concrete driveway, framing a deck, or calculating roofing materials, mastering this concept helps prevent costly over-ordering or project delays from material shortages.
Our free construction calculators leverage this concept to provide instant, accurate estimates — saving hours of manual measurement and arithmetic while ensuring your project stays on budget.
What is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard (yd³ or cu yd) is the standard unit of volume for bulk materials in US construction. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft) or approximately 46,656 cubic inches. It is the unit used to order, price, and deliver concrete, gravel, mulch, topsoil, sand, fill dirt, and virtually every bulk construction material.
Quick Coverage Reference
| Depth | 1 Cubic Yard Covers | Common Application |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft | Thin mulch top-dressing |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft | Mulch, decorative stone |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft | Standard mulch depth, gravel pathways |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft | Concrete sidewalks, light-duty slabs |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft | Concrete driveways, gravel base courses |
| 8 inches | 40.5 sq ft | Foundation walls, heavy-duty slabs |
| 12 inches | 27 sq ft | Footings, retaining wall backfill |
Weight per Cubic Yard by Material
| Material | Weight per yd³ | Approximate Cost/yd³ (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete (wet) | 3,900–4,050 lbs | $125–$175 |
| Gravel / Crushed Stone | 2,700–2,800 lbs | $35–$65 |
| Sand (dry) | 2,600–2,700 lbs | $30–$55 |
| Topsoil | 2,000–2,200 lbs | $25–$55 |
| Mulch (wood) | 400–800 lbs | $25–$45 |
| Asphalt (hot mix) | 3,900–4,000 lbs | $100–$180 |
| Fill Dirt | 2,000–2,600 lbs | $10–$25 |
| Compost | 1,000–1,600 lbs | $30–$50 |
How to Calculate Cubic Yards
Formula: Cubic Yards = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth ft) ÷ 27
- Rectangular area: 20 ft × 10 ft × 0.333 ft (4") = 66.6 cu ft ÷ 27 = 2.47 yd³
- Circular area: π × radius² × depth ÷ 27
- Triangular area: 0.5 × base × height × depth ÷ 27
Pro tips for ordering:
- Always add 10% extra for waste, irregular ground, and compaction
- Concrete trucks deliver 8–10 yd³ per load; partial loads under 4 yd³ incur a short-load fee ($50–$100 per yd³ under minimum)
- For gravel and mulch, delivery is typically free above 5–10 yd³ minimum; below that, expect $50–$100 delivery fee