How to use it
- Enter length in feet.
- Enter width in feet.
- Enter depth in inches.
- Read cubic yards, cubic feet, and ton estimate.
What it does – The calculator turns your length, width, and depth into three useful measures: cubic yards, cubic feet, and an approximate tonnage (1 yard = 1.4 tons). Why it matters – Knowing cubic yards tells you how many dump‑truck loads to order, cubic feet helps compare material specs, and tonnage is what most suppliers quote. How to read it – The result shows cubic feet first, then divides by 27 to get cubic yards, and multiplies yards by 1.4 for tons. Example: a 10 ft × 12 ft patio 4 in deep yields 40 ft³, 1.48 yd³, and about 2.07 tons. Use these numbers to place an exact order and avoid costly over‑ or under‑ordering.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra for compaction and spillage.
- Round up to the nearest whole yard for easier ordering.
- Order by the ton if the supplier prices per ton, using the 1.4 ton/yd³ factor.
- Double‑check depth conversion from inches to feet before entering data.
Real-life examples
- Planning a new driveway and need to know gravel volume before calling contractors.
- Estimating material for a backyard garden path to get a precise quote.
- Calculating fill for a foundation trench to avoid ordering too much material.
Case study
Mike thought his 8 ft × 10 ft patio needed 1.5 tons of gravel and ordered that amount. The calculator showed 1.78 tons; he added a 10% buffer, ordered 2 tons, and completed the project on schedule without a second delivery.