How to use it
- Enter length in feet.
- Enter width in feet.
- Enter depth in inches.
- Read cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons.
What it does – The calculator takes the length and width of your site in feet and the desired depth in inches, then instantly shows the volume in cubic feet, converts that to cubic yards (27 ft³ per yard), and estimates the weight using the industry standard 1.3 US tons per cubic yard.
Why it matters – Knowing cubic yards helps you order the right amount of fill, avoiding costly over‑orders or shortfalls. The ton estimate lets you compare material costs that are priced by weight.
How to read the results – The cubic‑feet figure is the raw volume. Divide by 27 to see cubic yards, the unit most suppliers use. Multiply cubic yards by 1.3 to get an approximate tonnage. Round up to account for compaction and waste.
Pro tips
- Add 10% extra for compaction and spillage.
- Round up to the nearest whole cubic yard when ordering.
- Verify depth measurement in inches, then convert to feet for volume.
- Check supplier pricing by both cubic yard and ton to choose the cheaper option.
Real-life examples
- A homeowner preparing a 12 ft × 8 ft garden bed 6 in deep.
- A contractor estimating fill for a driveway extension 30 ft × 15 ft at 4 in depth.
- A landscaper ordering topsoil for a park renovation covering 200 ft × 150 ft at 8 in depth.
Case study
Jane needed a 10 ft × 6 ft patio 5 in deep. Using the calculator she saw she required 0.91 cubic yards (≈1.2 tons). She ordered 1 cubic yard, saving $150 versus the 2 cubic yards she’d have guessed, and the job finished on schedule.