Material Densities — Cubic Yards to Tons
| Material | Tons per yd³ | yd³ per ton |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | 2.03 | 0.49 |
| Crushed Stone | 1.50 | 0.67 |
| Gravel | 1.45 | 0.69 |
| Sand (dry) | 1.35 | 0.74 |
| Topsoil | 1.08 | 0.93 |
| Fill Dirt | 1.08 | 0.93 |
| Mulch | 0.43 | 2.33 |
Quick formula: Cubic yards = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth in) ÷ 324. This shortcut combines dividing by 12 (inches to feet) and by 27 (feet to yards) in one step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?+
Divide cubic feet by 27. One cubic yard = 27 cubic feet (3 × 3 × 3 feet). Example: 81 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 3 cubic yards.
How many cubic yards does a dump truck hold?+
A standard single-axle dump truck holds 10–14 cubic yards. A tandem axle (larger) truck holds 14–18 cubic yards. A typical half-ton pickup truck bed holds about 1 cubic yard of loose material.
How do I calculate cubic yards for a circle?+
Area = π × radius². Multiply by depth in feet, then divide by 27. For a 10-ft diameter circle at 4 inches deep: π × 5² × (4/12) / 27 = 0.97 cubic yards. Our calculator does this automatically.
How many bags of material equal one cubic yard?+
A 0.5 cubic foot bag: 54 bags per yard. A 1 cubic foot bag: 27 bags per yard. A 2 cubic foot bag: 13.5 bags per yard. Buying in bulk (by the yard) is almost always cheaper than bagged material for projects over 1 yard.