Cubic yards from dimensions or known volume
Cubic Yard Calculator
Answer first: calculate cubic yards from length, width, and thickness, or from a known volume. Convert between cubic feet, yards, and meters, estimate bag count and cost, and compare ready-mix with bags.
10 ft x 10 ft x 4 in slab
about 1.23 cubic yards
Before waste. Add 10% for typical pours to get about 1.36 yards.
1 cubic yard
27 cubic feet or 0.765 m3
The standard ready-mix ordering unit. Use known volume mode for direct entry.
Calculate cubic yards from dimensions
Enter length, width, and thickness to get cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters. Compare bags with ready-mix delivery.
Cubic yards
1.36 yd3
Cubic feet
36.7 ft3
Bags needed
62
Est. cost
$310
Interactive workflow
Run the numbers, then save or export the project
Save this estimate or download a PDF report
The PDF report uses the current calculated result. Save the estimate first when you want to reuse the inputs later.
What ordinary cubic yard calculators miss
The useful result is not only a yard number. It is the waste factor, bag count, cost comparison, and delivery minimum that decide the order.
| Benchmark says | Replace with local input | Next check |
|---|---|---|
| One yard number, nothing else | See yards, cubic feet, cubic meters, bags, and cost in one result. | Use the bag count and cost to decide bags vs ready-mix. |
| Ignores waste | Add a waste factor so the yardage reflects real pour conditions. | Use 5% for clean forms, 10% for typical pours, and more for uneven ground. |
| No delivery check | See minimum billable yards and delivery fees before assuming ready-mix is available. | Call the supplier to confirm minimums and lead time. |
Cubic yard ordering checklist
Use these checks before ordering material by the cubic yard.
| Signal to check | What it means | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | The length, width, and thickness match the actual pour area, including thickened edges or varying depths. | Measure separate sections and add the volumes if thickness varies. |
| Waste factor | The waste percentage matches site conditions and form quality. | Increase waste for uneven ground, over-excavation, or complex shapes. |
| Ready-mix minimum | The supplier minimum load is confirmed before ordering. | Ask about minimums, short-load fees, and delivery access. |
| Unit conversion | The cubic yard result is used with the correct supplier ordering unit. | Ready-mix is sold by the yard; bags are sold by count. Do not mix units. |
Related concrete planning tools
Move from a single calculation into a purchase, proposal, or pour-day decision with connected calculators and checklists.
How do I calculate cubic yards?
Multiply length by width by thickness (all in feet), then divide by 27. For example, 10 ft x 10 ft x 4 in = 10 x 10 x 0.333 = 33.3 ft3, divided by 27 = 1.23 cubic yards.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. The calculator converts automatically when you enter dimensions in feet and inches.
How many cubic meters are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard equals approximately 0.765 cubic meters. The calculator shows all three units in the result.
How do I add waste to cubic yards?
Enter a waste factor percentage in the calculator. The result adds waste to the base volume before showing yards and bag count. Use 5% for clean forms, 10% for typical pours.
Can I use this for materials other than concrete?
Yes. The cubic yard calculation is the same for any material. The bag count and cost comparison are concrete-specific, but the volume conversion works for soil, gravel, mulch, or any bulk material.
Planning disclaimer
This calculator provides planning estimates from dimensions and user-entered prices. It does not confirm supplier availability, minimum loads, access, or material density. Confirm actual prices, minimums, and site conditions with your supplier before ordering.