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Cubic Yard Calculator.

Calculate cubic yards from measurements in feet or inches. Get instant dumpster size recommendations for your project.

Quick Reference

1 Cubic Yard =
27 cubic feet
1 Cubic Yard =
764.6 liters
1 Cubic Yard =
3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft
1 Cubic Yard =
46,656 cubic inches

Common Project Estimates

Click any project to see the recommended dumpster size.

How to Calculate Cubic Yards

Cubic yards measure volume — the amount of three-dimensional space something occupies. The formula is simple:

Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 27
All measurements in feet. Divide by 27 because 3×3×3 = 27 cubic feet per cubic yard.

If measuring in inches: divide each measurement by 12 first to convert to feet, then use the formula above. Or multiply L × W × H in inches and divide by 46,656 (which is 27 × 1,728).

How Many Cubic Feet in a Yard?

There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. This is because a yard is 3 feet, and a cubic yard is 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet = 27 cubic feet.

Cubic YardsCubic FeetLiters
0.513.5382
127765
2541529
3812294
51353823
102707646
1540511468
2054015291
3081022937
40108030582

How Big Is a Cubic Yard?

A cubic yard is a cube measuring 3 feet (1 yard) on each side. Visually, it's about the size of a washing machine or a large armchair. Here are some real-world comparisons:

  • • 1 cubic yard of mulch covers about 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep
  • • 1 cubic yard of concrete weighs about 4,000 lbs (2 tons)
  • • 1 cubic yard of soil weighs about 2,200 lbs (1.1 tons)
  • • A standard pickup truck bed holds about 2-3 cubic yards
  • • A 10-yard dumpster holds 10 cubic yards (270 cubic feet)

Cubic Yards to Dumpster Size

Once you know how many cubic yards of debris your project will produce, use this guide to pick the right dumpster:

Debris VolumeDumpster SizeTypical Cost
1-3 cubic yards10 yard$250-400
3-5 cubic yards15 yard$300-450
5-8 cubic yards20 yard$350-500
8-12 cubic yards30 yard$400-600
12+ cubic yards40 yard$500-800

Compare dumpster rental prices in your city— we've scored 6,304 operators across 50 states.

Common Project Volumes

Not sure how many cubic yards your project will produce? Here are real-world estimates:

Bathroom remodel— Tub, vanity, tile, and drywall
2-3 cu yd
Kitchen remodel— Cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring
5-7 cu yd
Garage cleanout— Average 2-car garage full of stuff
3-5 cu yd
Single room flooring— Carpet or tile from a 200 sq ft room
1-2 cu yd
Deck removal (300 sq ft)— Wood deck and railing
4-6 cu yd
Roof tear-off (1,500 sq ft)— ~15 squares of shingles
7-9 cu yd
Estate cleanout (3 bed)— Full house contents
12-16 cu yd
Driveway removal (400 sq ft)— 4" thick concrete slab
4-6 cu yd

Need a more precise estimate? Try our interactive size estimator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. A cubic yard is 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet = 27 cubic feet.
How do you calculate cubic yards?
Multiply length × width × height (all in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. For inches, divide each measurement by 12 first.
How big is a cubic yard?
A cube measuring 3 feet on each side. About the size of a washing machine. Equals 27 cubic feet or ~765 liters.
How many cubic yards is a pickup truck?
A full-size pickup bed holds 2-3 cubic yards level with the top. A compact pickup holds about 1.5 cubic yards.
How many cubic yards is a 10-yard dumpster?
Exactly 10 cubic yards (270 cubic feet). That's about 3 pickup truck loads. Measures 12' × 8' × 3.5' and costs $250-$450.
How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?
Multiply square feet by depth (in feet), then divide by 27. For example: 500 sq ft at 1 foot deep = 500 ÷ 27 = 18.5 cubic yards.

Know your cubic yards. Now find the right dumpster.

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