Cubic Yard Calculator
Figure out how much material to excavate, haul, or bring in — enter your dimensions and get cubic yards plus estimated truck loads.
This calculator gives an estimate for planning purposes only. Verify quantities and code requirements with a qualified professional before ordering materials or performing work.
How it's calculated
Volume to cubic yards
cubic yards = (length ft × width ft × depth ft) / 27
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet (3ft × 3ft × 3ft). Multiply your length, width, and depth in feet, then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards — the unit most material and hauling quotes use.
Truck loads
truck loads = ceil(cubic yards / truck capacity)
Divide total cubic yards by a single truck's hauling capacity and round up — you can't haul a partial extra load.
Cubic yards for common slab sizes
| Size | Depth | Cubic yards |
|---|---|---|
| 10' x 10' | 4" | 1.23 CY |
| 12' x 12' | 4" | 1.78 CY |
| 20' x 20' | 4" | 4.94 CY |
| 24' x 24' (driveway) | 6" | 10.67 CY |
| 10' x 20' (patio) | 4" | 2.47 CY |
| 30' x 40' (shop slab) | 4" | 14.81 CY |
Skip the manual math on your next takeoff
Struvia reads your plans and pulls quantities like this automatically — upload a plan and see it measure a real takeoff.
Cubic Yard Calculator FAQ
How many cubic yards are in a truckload?
It depends on the truck — a standard dump truck typically hauls 10–14 cubic yards, but capacity varies by vehicle. Enter your truck's actual capacity above for an accurate load count.
Does this work for gravel, dirt, and concrete?
Yes — the volume math is the same regardless of material. For loose materials like dirt or gravel, add extra for compaction or swell factor depending on whether the material is being excavated (swells) or placed and compacted (shrinks).
How do I measure depth for excavation?
Measure straight down from finished grade to the bottom of the cut or fill. For irregular areas, break the area into simpler rectangular sections and calculate each separately.