How to use it
- Enter length in feet.
- Enter width in feet.
- Enter depth in inches.
- Click Calculate to see cubic yards, tons, and cubic feet.
What it does – you input the length and width of the area in feet and the depth of fill in inches. The calculator converts depth to feet, computes the volume in cubic feet, then divides by 27 to get cubic yards. It also multiplies cubic yards by 1.3 to give an approximate weight in US tons. Why it matters – knowing cubic yards helps you order the right amount of material and avoid costly over‑orders. The ton estimate lets you compare pricing that’s often quoted per ton. How to read – the cubic‑yard number is the primary quantity for ordering, the ton figure is a quick weight reference, and the cubic‑foot value shows the raw volume before conversion. You can round up to the next half‑yard to cover settling, and copy the results to share with suppliers.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra volume for compaction and settling.
- Round up to the nearest half‑yard for ordering convenience.
- Check supplier minimum order sizes before finalizing quantity.
- Verify depth conversion from inches to feet before calculation.
Real-life examples
- Planning a new garden bed and need to know how much soil to order.
- Estimating fill material for a driveway repair project.
- Calculating dirt needed to level a backyard patio area.
Case study
Sarah needed to fill a 12 ft × 8 ft area 6 in deep for a patio. Using the calculator she saw she required 1.78 cubic yards (≈2.3 tons). She ordered 2 cubic yards, avoided a shortfall, and completed the patio on schedule.