How it’s calculated
Volume is the surface area times the depth. One cubic yard is a cube 3 ft on each side: 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 ft³ (about 0.7646 m³).
Example: a 10 × 12 ft bed filled 6 in deep = 10 × 12 × 0.5 = 60 ft³ ÷ 27 = 2.22 yd³ (1.70 m³). A round bed 10 ft across, 4 in deep = π × 5² × (4 ÷ 12) = 26.18 ft³ = 0.97 yd³.
Always convert depth to the same unit as length and width first: 6 in is 0.5 ft, not 6.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
27. A cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft.
How many square feet does a cubic yard cover?
At 3 in deep a cubic yard covers 108 ft²; at 4 in, 81 ft²; at 6 in, 54 ft². Divide 324 by the depth in inches.
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Sources
- NIST Handbook 44, Appendix C: Units of Measurement (1 yd³ = 27 ft³ = 0.764 554 857 m³) — U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology
- Prealgebra 2e, 9.6 Volume and Surface Area — OpenStax
Formulas are taken from the free public references above. Results are provided “as is” for informational and educational purposes only. See our disclaimer.
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