Cubic Yard Calculator: How to Measure and Order Landscape Materials
Whether you're ordering topsoil, gravel, bark, sand, or compost — it all comes by the cubic yard. Here's how to calculate exactly how much you need so you don't over-order or run short mid-project.
What Is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard is a volume measurement: 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet = 27 cubic feet. Imagine a cube that's about waist-high on a tall person. That's one yard.
When you order landscape materials in bulk, they're priced and delivered by the cubic yard (often called just "a yard"). Knowing how to calculate your volume is the key to ordering correctly.
The Universal Landscape Material Formula
Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (inches) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards
That's it. This formula works for topsoil, gravel, bark, sand, compost — any bulk landscape material.
Example: You have a garden bed that's 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and you want 4 inches of topsoil.
20 × 8 × 4 ÷ 324 = 1.98 cubic yards — order 2 yards.
Quick-Reference Tables by Material
Topsoil (Typical Depth: 4-6 inches)
| Area (sq ft) | 4" Deep | 6" Deep | 12" Deep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 1.23 yds | 1.85 yds | 3.7 yds |
| 250 sq ft | 3.1 yds | 4.6 yds | 9.3 yds |
| 500 sq ft | 6.2 yds | 9.3 yds | 18.5 yds |
| 1,000 sq ft | 12.3 yds | 18.5 yds | 37 yds |
| 2,000 sq ft | 24.7 yds | 37 yds | 74 yds |
Gravel/Crushed Rock (Typical Depth: 3-6 inches)
| Area (sq ft) | 3" Deep | 4" Deep | 6" Deep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.93 yds | 1.23 yds | 1.85 yds |
| 250 sq ft | 2.3 yds | 3.1 yds | 4.6 yds |
| 500 sq ft | 4.6 yds | 6.2 yds | 9.3 yds |
| 1,000 sq ft | 9.3 yds | 12.3 yds | 18.5 yds |
| 2,000 sq ft | 18.5 yds | 24.7 yds | 37 yds |
Bark/Mulch (Typical Depth: 2-3 inches)
| Area (sq ft) | 2" Deep | 3" Deep | 4" Deep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 yds | 0.93 yds | 1.23 yds |
| 250 sq ft | 1.54 yds | 2.3 yds | 3.1 yds |
| 500 sq ft | 3.1 yds | 4.63 yds | 6.2 yds |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.2 yds | 9.3 yds | 12.3 yds |
| 2,000 sq ft | 12.4 yds | 18.5 yds | 24.7 yds |
How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Each Material Weigh?
Weight matters for delivery and for knowing if your truck can haul it.
| Material | Weight per Cubic Yard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Topsoil (moist) | ~2,000–2,500 lbs | Heavy — delivery recommended |
| Crushed Gravel | ~2,700–3,000 lbs | Heaviest common material |
| Sand | ~2,500–2,700 lbs | Very heavy when moist |
| Bark/Mulch (dry) | ~400–800 lbs | Lightest — varies by type |
| Compost | ~1,000–1,300 lbs | Moderate weight |
| Decorative Rock | ~2,500–3,500 lbs | Heaviest — always delivery |
Converting Between Cubic Yards, Tons, and Bags
Cubic Yards to Tons
- Topsoil: 1 yd³ ≈ 1.1–1.25 tons
- Gravel/Crushed Rock: 1 yd³ ≈ 1.4–1.5 tons
- Sand: 1 yd³ ≈ 1.3–1.4 tons
- Mulch: 1 yd³ ≈ 0.2–0.4 tons (very light)
Cubic Yards to Bags
- 1 cubic yard = 13.5 bags of 2-cu-ft material
- 1 cubic yard = 9 bags of 3-cu-ft material
- For projects over 2 yards, bulk delivery beats bags every time on cost
Common Project Calculations
Garden Bed Refresh (Top-Dress)
Adding 2 inches of compost or topsoil to a 400 sq ft garden:
400 × 2 ÷ 324 = 2.47 yards → order 3 yards (round up for coverage consistency)
New Raised Beds (12" Deep)
Four raised beds each 4×8 ft at 12 inches deep:
4 beds × 32 sq ft × 12 ÷ 324 = 4.74 yards → order 5 yards
Pathway (3" Gravel)
A 3-foot wide, 40-foot long path at 3 inches gravel:
3 × 40 × 3 ÷ 324 = 1.11 yards → order 1.5 yards (paths compact)
Driveway (4" Base + 2" Top)
A 12-foot wide, 60-foot long driveway:
For 4" base: 12 × 60 × 4 ÷ 324 = 8.9 yards
For 2" top: 12 × 60 × 2 ÷ 324 = 4.4 yards
Total: ~13.3 yards → order 14-15 yards allowing for compaction
Why You Should Always Round Up
When in doubt, order 5-10% more than your calculation. Here's why:
- Irregular ground surfaces need more material to level
- Gravel and topsoil compact — you lose volume
- Your measurements are estimates, not surveys
- A second delivery costs money; extra material can be used for other projects
Get Accurate Quantities With a Free Quote
Not sure how much to order? Harbor Soils can help. Call or email with your project details and we'll give you a quantity recommendation before you order. We'd rather you order the right amount than run short on delivery day.
We deliver topsoil, gravel, bark, compost, sand, decorative rock, and more throughout Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Purdy, Artondale, Fox Island, and the rest of Kitsap and Pierce Counties.
Ready to order? Harbor Soils offers same-day delivery with no minimum order. Browse our materials: Topsoil | Gravel | Bark & Mulch | Compost | Sand
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