How Many Cubic Feet In A Cubic Yard Of Dirt Guide
A cubic yard of dirt is a measure of volume. It is the amount of space a cube 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 3 feet high takes up. This amount is exactly 27 cubic feet. Knowing this helps you figure out how much dirt you need for projects like filling a garden bed or leveling a yard.
Comprehending Basic Volume Measures
Let’s start with simple ideas. We measure length in units like inches, feet, and yards.
A foot is 12 inches long.
A yard is 3 feet long.
Think of a standard ruler for a foot. A yardstick is three of those rulers put together end-to-end.
When we talk about volume, we talk about three dimensions: length, width, and height.
We use cubic units to measure volume.
A cubic foot is the space inside a box that is 1 foot long, 1 foot wide, and 1 foot high.
Imagine a box shaped like a perfect cube. Each side of this box measures exactly 1 foot. The amount of space inside this box is one cubic foot.
We write this as 1 ft³.
A cubic yard is the space inside a much bigger box. This box is 1 yard long, 1 yard wide, and 1 yard high.
We write this as 1 yd³.
This is how we measure things like dirt, sand, gravel, or mulch when we buy them for projects. People often buy these materials by the cubic yard.
Relating Feet and Yards for Volume
We know a yard is 3 feet long.
So, a cubic yard is a cube that is:
• 1 yard long
• 1 yard wide
• 1 yard high
Since 1 yard is the same as 3 feet, we can also say a cubic yard is a cube that is:
• 3 feet long
• 3 feet wide
• 3 feet high
To find the volume of a cube, you multiply its length times its width times its height.
Volume = Length × Width × Height
For a cubic foot:
Volume = 1 foot × 1 foot × 1 foot = 1 cubic foot (1 ft³)
For a cubic yard, using feet:
Volume = 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet
Let’s do that simple math:
3 × 3 = 9
9 × 3 = 27
So, the volume of a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet.
This is the main idea: one cubic yard holds the same amount as 27 cubic feet put together.
The Core Cubic Yard to Cubic Feet Conversion
The direct answer to how many cubic feet are in a cubic yard is always 27.
There are exactly 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.
This number, 27, is fixed. It does not change for different materials like dirt, sand, or gravel. It is a measure of space.
Whether it’s a cubic yard of dirt, water, or air, the volume is 27 cubic feet.
Knowing this number is key for any project where you need to measure and order materials like soil or mulch. Suppliers usually sell dirt by the cubic yard. Your project might be easier to measure in cubic feet. You need to convert between the two units.
Let’s write it out simply:
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
This is the basic cubic yard to cubic feet conversion. It’s a simple multiplication or division based on which way you are going.
How to Convert Cubic Yards to Cubic Feet
Converting from cubic yards to cubic feet is easy.
You use the number 27.
If you have a certain number of cubic yards and want to know how many cubic feet that is, you multiply the number of cubic yards by 27.
Formula:
Cubic Feet = Number of Cubic Yards × 27
Let’s try some examples:
- If you have 1 cubic yard:
Cubic Feet = 1 × 27 = 27 cubic feet. (This confirms our basic fact). - If you have 2 cubic yards:
Cubic Feet = 2 × 27 = 54 cubic feet.
Two cubic yards of dirt would fill a space equal to 54 boxes, each 1 foot by 1 foot by 1 foot. - If you have 5 cubic yards:
Cubic Feet = 5 × 27 = 135 cubic feet. - If you have half a cubic yard (0.5 cubic yards):
Cubic Feet = 0.5 × 27 = 13.5 cubic feet.
This is the process to convert cubic yards to cubic feet. You just multiply the cubic yard amount by 27.
The Volume of a Cubic Yard in Cubic Feet
To restate clearly, the volume of a cubic yard in cubic feet is always 27 cubic feet.
This comes directly from the definitions of a yard and a foot.
A yard is 3 feet.
A cubic yard is 1 yd × 1 yd × 1 yd.
Change yards to feet: (3 ft) × (3 ft) × (3 ft) = 27 ft³.
Think of it like this:
Imagine building a cubic yard space using cubic foot boxes.
You would need to place 3 boxes side-by-side to make a line 3 feet long (1 yard).
You would need 3 such lines next to each other to make a square layer 3 feet by 3 feet. That’s 3 lines × 3 boxes/line = 9 boxes for one layer.
Then, you would stack these layers 3 feet high. That means 3 layers.
Total boxes = 9 boxes/layer × 3 layers = 27 boxes.
Each box is 1 cubic foot. So, you need 27 cubic foot boxes to fill a 1-cubic-yard space.
This visual helps confirm why the volume of a cubic yard in cubic feet is 27.
Calculating Cubic Feet Per Cubic Yard
To calculate cubic feet per cubic yard, you simply state the conversion factor.
The calculation needed to find the number of cubic feet in a single cubic yard is always 1 × 27, which equals 27.
If the question is “How many cubic feet per cubic yard?”, the answer is “There are 27 cubic feet per cubic yard.”
This value (27) is the ratio between the two units for volume. It is constant.
When you need to use this for a project, you are typically finding the total cubic feet for a given number of cubic yards, or finding the total cubic yards for a given number of cubic feet.
Let’s look at calculating cubic feet when you know the yards.
If you know you need 3 cubic yards of dirt, you calculate cubic feet per cubic yard for your total need like this:
Total Cubic Feet = 3 cubic yards × 27 cubic feet/cubic yard
Total Cubic Feet = 81 cubic feet.
The term “cubic feet per cubic yard” refers to this conversion rate of 27.
Performing a Cubic Yard Volume Calculation
Often, you don’t start with cubic yards. You start with the space you need to fill.
You measure the length, width, and depth (or height) of the area.
Let’s say you want to fill a garden bed.
You measure:
Length = 10 feet
Width = 4 feet
Depth = 1.5 feet
First, you find the volume in cubic feet.
Volume in Cubic Feet = Length × Width × Depth
Volume in Cubic Feet = 10 ft × 4 ft × 1.5 ft
Volume in Cubic Feet = 40 sq ft × 1.5 ft
Volume in Cubic Feet = 60 cubic feet.
Now you know you need 60 cubic feet of dirt.
But the dirt is sold by the cubic yard.
You need to find out how many cubic yards 60 cubic feet is.
To do this, you use the same conversion factor, 27, but you divide instead of multiply.
Formula:
Number of Cubic Yards = Total Cubic Feet / 27
Using our example:
Number of Cubic Yards = 60 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/cubic yard
Number of Cubic Yards ≈ 2.22 cubic yards.
This is how you perform a cubic yard volume calculation when your initial measurements are in feet.
1. Measure your area in feet (length, width, depth/height).
2. Multiply the three measurements to get the volume in cubic feet.
3. Divide the total cubic feet by 27 to get the volume in cubic yards.
Let’s try another example:
You need to fill a low spot in your yard that is roughly a rectangle.
You measure:
Length = 15 feet
Width = 10 feet
Average Depth = 0.5 feet (this is 6 inches)
- Measure in feet: Done (15 ft, 10 ft, 0.5 ft).
- Calculate cubic feet:
Volume in Cubic Feet = 15 ft × 10 ft × 0.5 ft
Volume in Cubic Feet = 150 sq ft × 0.5 ft
Volume in Cubic Feet = 75 cubic feet. - Convert to cubic yards:
Number of Cubic Yards = 75 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/cubic yard
Number of Cubic Yards ≈ 2.78 cubic yards.
So, for this spot, you would need about 2.8 cubic yards of dirt. Since suppliers usually sell in whole or half yards, you might order 3 cubic yards to be safe.
This whole process is a cubic yard volume calculation for a specific space.
The Cubic Feet Per Yard Conversion Explained Simply
The phrase cubic feet per yard conversion is another way of talking about the relationship between the two units.
It means: “How many cubic feet are there for each cubic yard?”
The answer is 27.
So, the cubic feet per yard conversion factor is 27.
When you need to convert a quantity:
• To go from cubic yards to cubic feet, you use the conversion 1 yd³ = 27 ft³. You multiply the number of yards by 27.
• To go from cubic feet to cubic yards, you use the conversion 1 ft³ = 1/27 yd³. You divide the number of feet by 27.
This conversion is essential because project plans or measurements might be in feet, while material sales are in yards.
Imagine planning a large playground area that needs soft fill dirt. The area is 50 feet long and 30 feet wide, and you want the dirt to be 1 foot deep.
Calculate total cubic feet:
Volume = 50 ft × 30 ft × 1 ft = 1500 cubic feet.
Now, use the cubic feet per yard conversion (which is 27 cubic feet per yard) to find how many yards you need.
Cubic Yards = 1500 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/yard
Cubic Yards ≈ 55.56 cubic yards.
You would likely order 56 cubic yards.
The cubic feet per yard conversion (27) is the bridge between measuring your space in feet and ordering materials in yards.
Mastering Volume Conversion Cubic Yard to Cubic Foot
Let’s focus on mastering the volume conversion cubic yard to cubic foot.
This specific conversion is when you start with cubic yards and end up with cubic feet.
You always multiply by 27.
Why would you need to do this?
Maybe you bought 3 cubic yards of mulch, and you want to figure out how many containers, each holding 10 cubic feet, you could fill.
First, convert the 3 cubic yards to cubic feet:
Volume in Cubic Feet = 3 cubic yards × 27 cubic feet/cubic yard
Volume in Cubic Feet = 81 cubic feet.
Now you know you have 81 cubic feet of mulch.
If your containers hold 10 cubic feet each:
Number of containers = Total cubic feet / Volume per container
Number of containers = 81 cubic feet / 10 cubic feet/container
Number of containers = 8.1 containers.
You could fill 8 containers completely and have a little left over.
This shows a practical use of volume conversion cubic yard to cubic foot.
Another example:
A small dump truck can hold 5 cubic yards of dirt. You need to know the maximum volume in cubic feet for a job.
Volume in Cubic Feet = 5 cubic yards × 27 cubic feet/cubic yard
Volume in Cubic Feet = 135 cubic feet.
The truck can carry 135 cubic feet of dirt.
Converting cubic yards to cubic feet is a key step in comparing volumes, figuring out how many loads a truck can carry, or understanding the total space a large amount of material will occupy.
Using a Dirt Volume Calculator Cubic Yards to Cubic Feet
Many online tools can help with these calculations. These are often called a dirt volume calculator cubic yards to cubic feet.
These calculators save you from doing the math by hand.
How they work:
1. You usually enter the measurements of your area in feet (length, width, height).
2. The calculator first figures out the volume in cubic feet (Length × Width × Height).
3. Then, it automatically divides the cubic feet by 27 to give you the volume in cubic yards.
Some calculators might also let you enter the volume directly in cubic yards and will show you the equivalent in cubic feet (by multiplying by 27).
Let’s say you are using an online dirt volume calculator cubic yards to cubic feet.
You input your garden bed size:
Length: 12 feet
Width: 3 feet
Depth: 1 foot
The calculator does the work:
Calculates cubic feet: 12 × 3 × 1 = 36 cubic feet.
Calculates cubic yards: 36 / 27 = 1.33 cubic yards (repeating).
These calculators are great for quickly getting the numbers right, especially for irregular shapes where you might input average measurements. However, it’s helpful to know the 27 cubic feet per cubic yard rule so you understand how the calculator gets its answer and can double-check simple cases.
Always use a calculator that lets you input dimensions in feet and gives you the answer in cubic yards, as that’s typically the most useful function when buying dirt. Some might offer options for inches or yards too, but using feet consistently for measurement and then converting to yards for ordering is standard practice.
Grasping the Cubic Yard Equivalent in Cubic Feet
The phrase cubic yard equivalent in cubic feet simply means “what is the amount of cubic feet that is equal to one or more cubic yards?”
As we know, the cubic yard equivalent in cubic feet for one cubic yard is 27 cubic feet.
Equivalents:
* 0.5 cubic yards is equivalent to 13.5 cubic feet.
* 1 cubic yard is equivalent to 27 cubic feet.
* 2 cubic yards is equivalent to 54 cubic feet.
* 10 cubic yards is equivalent to 270 cubic feet.
These are all examples of the cubic yard equivalent in cubic feet. The core concept is the 1:27 relationship.
When planning a project, understanding this equivalent helps you visualize the amount of dirt.
A cubic yard (27 cubic feet) is a good amount of material. It’s often described as roughly the size of a large washing machine or dryer, or about half the size of a small car.
Knowing that 27 cubic feet equals one cubic yard helps you see how much space that will fill. If you need 54 cubic feet of dirt, you know that’s exactly two cubic yards, which is easier to imagine as two large washing machine-sized piles of dirt.
This equivalent is the basis for all volume conversions between these two units.
Why This Conversion Matters for Your Projects
Knowing how many cubic feet are in a cubic yard is super important for anyone doing landscaping, gardening, or construction work.
Here’s why:
- Ordering Materials: Suppliers sell dirt, mulch, gravel, and sand by the cubic yard. You need to know how many cubic yards to order based on the size of your project area.
- Estimating Costs: The price of dirt is given per cubic yard. To figure out the total cost, you need to know the number of cubic yards required. If you calculated your needs in cubic feet, you must convert to yards to get the price.
- Project Planning: Knowing the volume helps you plan delivery, storage, and spreading the material. A cubic yard (27 cubic feet) is a significant amount of dirt. You need space for the delivery truck and the pile. Knowing the volume helps you know how much work is involved in moving it.
- Avoiding Waste: Calculating the right amount means you don’t order too much (which costs extra money and leaves you with excess material) or too little (which means delays and extra delivery fees).
- Measuring Irregular Areas: You might measure a hole or area in feet, calculate the volume in cubic feet, and then convert to cubic yards to order the right amount.
Essentially, this conversion is a basic tool that connects your project measurements (often in feet) to how materials are bought and sold (often in yards).
Examples of Projects and Dirt Needed
Let’s look at common projects and how the cubic yard to cubic foot conversion applies.
Raised Garden Beds
Say you have three raised garden beds, each 8 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 1 foot deep.
Volume per bed in cubic feet = 8 ft × 3 ft × 1 ft = 24 cubic feet.
Total volume for all three beds = 3 beds × 24 cubic feet/bed = 72 cubic feet.
Now, convert total cubic feet to cubic yards:
Cubic Yards = 72 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/cubic yard
Cubic Yards ≈ 2.67 cubic yards.
You would likely order 2.5 or 3 cubic yards.
Leveling a Small Area
You have an area 20 feet by 15 feet that needs to be raised 0.5 feet (6 inches).
Volume in cubic feet = 20 ft × 15 ft × 0.5 ft = 150 cubic feet.
Convert to cubic yards:
Cubic Yards = 150 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/cubic yard
Cubic Yards ≈ 5.56 cubic yards.
You would probably order 5.5 or 6 cubic yards of fill dirt.
Filling a Trench
Imagine a trench that is 50 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 3 feet deep.
Volume in cubic feet = 50 ft × 2 ft × 3 ft = 300 cubic feet.
Convert to cubic yards:
Cubic Yards = 300 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/cubic yard
Cubic Yards ≈ 11.11 cubic yards.
You would likely order 11 or 11.5 cubic yards.
These examples show how knowing the 1:27 cubic feet per yard conversion is vital after you measure your project area.
Tips for Measuring Dirt Piles
Sometimes you have a pile of dirt, not a neat box shape. Measuring this is harder, but you can estimate.
Most dirt piles are roughly cone-shaped or half-sphere shaped.
A common way to estimate is to treat the pile as if it were a rectangle or a series of rectangles.
- Measure Average Length and Width: Walk around the pile. Estimate its average length and average width at the base or widest part.
- Measure Average Height: Measure the height of the pile at its highest point.
- Calculate Volume as a Rectangle: Multiply the average length × average width × average height. This will give you a volume in cubic feet if your measurements were in feet.
- Adjust for Shape: Since a pile is not a perfect rectangle, this calculation overestimates the volume. You can multiply your result by a factor to get a better estimate. For a typical cone or mound shape, multiply the rectangle volume by about 0.6 to 0.7. (Volume of a cone is 1/3 * base area * height, but dirt piles aren’t perfect cones. 0.6 to 0.7 is a practical estimate factor).
Example: A dirt pile is roughly 10 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4 feet high.
Estimated rectangular volume = 10 ft × 8 ft × 4 ft = 320 cubic feet.
Adjust for shape (use 0.65 factor):
Estimated pile volume = 320 cubic feet × 0.65 = 208 cubic feet.
Convert to cubic yards:
Estimated Cubic Yards = 208 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/cubic yard
Estimated Cubic Yards ≈ 7.7 cubic yards.
This method gives you a rough idea. For more accuracy, especially with large piles, you might need professional help or use more complex surveying techniques. But for most home projects, estimating the average dimensions and applying a shape factor works okay.
Considerations: Loose vs. Compacted Dirt
It’s important to know that dirt can change volume slightly depending on how it’s handled.
When dirt is dug up and delivered, it’s usually in a loose state. It has air pockets.
When you spread and pack it down, it becomes compacted.
Compacted dirt takes up less space than the same amount of dirt when it’s loose.
Suppliers typically measure and sell dirt by the cubic yard when it’s loose in their bins or in the delivery truck.
When you put that dirt into your garden bed or use it for fill and compact it, the volume might decrease by 10% to 20%.
This means if you calculate you need exactly 3 cubic yards of compacted dirt for a project, you might need to order slightly more than 3 cubic yards of loose dirt to achieve the final compacted volume.
Conversely, if you’re removing dirt from a hole that was compacted, the volume of the loose dirt you dig out will be greater than the volume of the hole you started with.
Always consider if your calculation is for loose or compacted volume, and ask your supplier how they measure the cubic yards they sell. Usually, it’s loose volume.
Visualizing a Cubic Yard (27 Cubic Feet)
It can be hard to picture 27 cubic feet of dirt. Here are some ways to think about it:
- Using Cubic Foot Boxes: Imagine 27 boxes, each the size of a foot-long ruler on all sides. That’s a lot of boxes!
- Relative to Common Objects:
- About the size of a large kitchen appliance like a refrigerator or a washing machine.
- Roughly half the size of a small car (like a Mini Cooper).
- It would fill a standard pickup truck bed filled slightly higher than the top edges.
- As a Cube: A cube shape that is 3 feet tall, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet deep. This is 1 yard on each side.
Knowing that 1 cubic yard is 27 cubic feet gives you the exact relationship. Visualizing 27 individual cubic feet helps you see why a cubic yard is a significant amount of material.
Putting It All Together: Steps for Calculating Dirt Needs
Here is a simple process summarizing how to figure out how much dirt you need using the cubic yard to cubic feet conversion:
- Measure Your Area: Use a tape measure to find the length, width, and desired depth (or height) of the area you need to fill or cover. Measure in feet. If you need to measure in inches, convert them to feet by dividing by 12 (e.g., 6 inches = 0.5 feet, 18 inches = 1.5 feet).
- Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet: Multiply your three measurements (length × width × depth) to get the volume in cubic feet.
- Volume (ft³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)
- Convert Volume to Cubic Yards: Divide your total cubic feet by 27 (because there are 27 cubic feet in each cubic yard).
- Volume (yd³) = Volume (ft³) / 27
- Consider Compaction/Waste: If you need compacted dirt, consider ordering slightly more (e.g., 10-20%) than your calculated cubic yard total. Also, factor in a little extra for spillage or uneven areas.
- Order Your Dirt: Contact your supplier and order the calculated number of cubic yards.
This process, using the volume conversion cubic yard to cubic foot (by dividing cubic feet by 27), ensures you order the correct amount of dirt for your project.
Summary of the Conversion
Let’s recap the main point:
There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard.
This is the fixed cubic yard equivalent in cubic feet.
- To convert cubic yards to cubic feet: Multiply the number of cubic yards by 27.
- Example: 4 cubic yards × 27 = 108 cubic feet.
- To convert cubic feet to cubic yards: Divide the number of cubic feet by 27.
- Example: 54 cubic feet / 27 = 2 cubic yards.
This simple 27 factor is the core of the cubic yard to cubic feet conversion and the basis for any dirt volume calculator cubic yards to cubic feet you might use. Knowing and using this number correctly will save you time, money, and hassle on your projects.
Remember, whether you call it convert cubic yards to cubic feet, find the volume of a cubic yard in cubic feet, calculate cubic feet per cubic yard, or use cubic feet per yard conversion, you are always dealing with the relationship where 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. This fundamental fact is your key to accurately figuring out how much dirt you need.
Understanding Other Units (Briefly)
While cubic feet and cubic yards are common for dirt, you might sometimes hear about other units:
- Cubic Inches: Much smaller. There are 1728 cubic inches in 1 cubic foot (12 inches × 12 inches × 12 inches). You won’t buy dirt by the cubic inch!
- Cubic Meters: Used in countries using the metric system. A cubic meter is about 1.3 cubic yards.
But for buying dirt in the US, cubic feet and cubic yards are the standard. Mastering the conversion between them is the most practical skill.
Working with Fractions or Decimals
Sometimes your calculations will result in fractions or decimals of a cubic yard, like 2.67 cubic yards or 5.56 cubic yards.
Suppliers may sell in whole yards or half yards (0.5 yards).
You’ll need to round up to the nearest amount they sell to make sure you have enough. For example, if you need 2.67 cubic yards, you would likely order 3 cubic yards. If you need 5.56 cubic yards, you might order 6 cubic yards, or maybe 5.5 if your supplier sells in half yards and you think you can get by with slightly less or don’t mind being a little short. It’s usually better to have a little extra than not enough.
Step-by-Step Example: Ordering Dirt for a Flower Bed
Let’s walk through a full example using the conversion.
You want to build a new flower bed.
It will be 18 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 1.5 feet deep.
You need to order soil.
- Measure in feet:
- Length = 18 feet
- Width = 4 feet
- Depth = 1.5 feet (This is 1 foot and 6 inches)
- Calculate cubic feet:
- Volume in ft³ = Length × Width × Depth
- Volume in ft³ = 18 ft × 4 ft × 1.5 ft
- Volume in ft³ = 72 sq ft × 1.5 ft
- Volume in ft³ = 108 cubic feet
You need 108 cubic feet of soil.
- Convert cubic feet to cubic yards:
- Use the cubic yard to cubic feet conversion factor (27). Divide cubic feet by 27.
- Volume in yd³ = Volume in ft³ / 27
- Volume in yd³ = 108 / 27
- Volume in yd³ = 4 cubic yards
You need 4 cubic yards of soil.
- Consider Compaction/Waste: For soil in a flower bed, it will settle a bit. Ordering exactly 4 cubic yards might be slightly less than needed after it settles. You might consider ordering 4.5 cubic yards if available, or be prepared to top it up later. But for a starting point, 4 cubic yards is the calculated amount needed for the loose volume.
- Order: Contact your supplier and order 4 cubic yards of soil.
This process used your measurements in feet, calculated the volume in cubic feet, and then used the key volume conversion cubic yard to cubic foot (dividing by 27) to find the amount in cubic yards for ordering. It’s a practical application of knowing that there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard.
Using the correct cubic yard equivalent in cubic feet helps ensure you get the right amount of material the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dirt Volume
h4>How big is a cubic yard of dirt really?
A cubic yard is the amount of space inside a box 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high. It’s about the size of a large appliance or roughly half the size of a small car. It contains exactly 27 cubic feet of material.
h4>Why do suppliers sell dirt by the cubic yard instead of the cubic foot?
Dirt, mulch, and gravel are bulky materials. A cubic foot is a relatively small amount. Selling by the cubic yard is more practical for the larger quantities people typically need for landscaping and construction projects. It simplifies pricing and delivery.
h4>Is a cubic yard of topsoil the same weight as a cubic yard of gravel?
No. A cubic yard is a measure of volume (space), not weight. Different materials have different densities. A cubic yard of a heavy material like gravel will weigh much more than a cubic yard of a lighter material like mulch or fluffy topsoil. Suppliers often provide weight estimates per cubic yard for different materials, but the volume (27 cubic feet per cubic yard) is constant.
h4>Can I measure my project in inches?
Yes, but it’s often easier to convert inches to feet first, then do your volume calculation in cubic feet. To convert inches to feet, divide the number of inches by 12. For example, 6 inches = 6/12 = 0.5 feet. Then use feet for your length, width, and depth measurements before calculating cubic feet and converting to cubic yards.
h4>How do I estimate dirt for an odd-shaped area?
Try to break the area down into simpler shapes like rectangles or circles. Measure the average length, width, and depth of each section. Calculate the cubic feet for each section and add them together for a total cubic foot volume. Then divide the total by 27 to get cubic yards. Online calculators sometimes have options for circular areas.
h4>Does wet dirt weigh more or less than dry dirt?
Wet dirt weighs more than dry dirt because of the added weight of the water. However, a cubic yard of wet dirt and a cubic yard of dry dirt still take up the same volume of space (27 cubic feet), assuming the level of compaction is similar.
h4>If I buy 1 cubic yard of dirt, how much area will it cover?
This depends entirely on how deep you spread it.
If you spread 1 cubic yard (27 cubic feet) 1 foot deep, it will cover 27 square feet (Area = Volume / Depth; 27 sq ft = 27 ft³ / 1 ft).
If you spread it 6 inches deep (0.5 feet), it will cover 54 square feet (Area = 27 ft³ / 0.5 ft).
If you spread it 3 inches deep (0.25 feet), it will cover 108 square feet (Area = 27 ft³ / 0.25 ft).
You need to know the desired depth to calculate the area coverage.
h4>Is there a simple chart for cubic yard to cubic foot conversion?
Yes, here is a simple table:
| Cubic Yards (yd³) | Cubic Feet (ft³) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 13.5 |
| 1 | 27 |
| 2 | 54 |
| 3 | 81 |
| 4 | 108 |
| 5 | 135 |
| 6 | 162 |
| 7 | 189 |
| 8 | 216 |
| 9 | 243 |
| 10 | 270 |
This table shows the cubic yard equivalent in cubic feet for common amounts.
Knowing that there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard is a simple piece of information, but it is absolutely essential for planning and carrying out projects that require ordering bulk materials like dirt. Mastering this conversion helps you accurately estimate needs, manage costs, and make sure you get the right amount of material delivered to your site.