How to use it
- Enter length in feet
- Enter width in feet
- Enter depth in inches
- Read cubic yards, cubic feet and ton estimate
This tool converts the dimensions of your planting beds, pathways or retaining walls into three practical measures: cubic feet, cubic yards and the approximate weight in US tons. Knowing the cubic yards tells you how many truckloads to order; the ton figure helps you compare material costs, as many suppliers price by weight. The calculator uses the standard conversion of 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so the weight estimate matches industry practice. For example, a 20 ft × 10 ft area at 4 in depth equals 66.7 ft³, which is 2.47 yd³ and about 3.5 tons. Use these numbers to avoid over‑ordering, reduce waste, and keep your project on budget.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra for compaction and spillage
- Round up to the nearest half‑yard for easier ordering
- Check supplier pricing per ton vs per cubic yard
- Double‑check depth conversion from inches to feet
Real-life examples
- A homeowner planning a new rock garden wants to know how many tons to order
- A landscaper estimating material for a 30‑ft driveway border
- A DIYer calculating rock needed for a backyard fire pit base
Case study
Sarah entered her patio dimensions (12 ft × 8 ft × 3 in) and saw 1.78 yd³ and 2.5 tons, ordered exactly that amount, and completed the project without excess material or extra trips.