Cubic Yard Calculator

Find cubic yards from dimensions for rectangular, round, triangular and ring-shaped sections, with separate net volume, allowance and cost.

How to use this tool

Choose a rectangular, cylindrical, triangular-prism or ring-shaped section.
Enter the footprint dimensions and the depth or prism height in their selected units.
Enter the count of identical sections, optional allowance and quoted price per cubic yard.
Select Calculate. Sum different net section volumes separately before applying one order adjustment.

Formula and unit basis

Convert dimensions to compatible units. Rectangular volume = length × width × depth; cylinder = π × (diameter/2)² × height; triangular prism = base × perpendicular height × depth ÷ 2; ring = π × (outer diameter² − inner diameter²) × height ÷ 4. Divide ft³ by 27 for yd³.

Worked examples

A 12 ft × 10 ft rectangular section at 4 in deep contains 40 ft³, or 1.481481 yd³, before any allowance. A 3 ft diameter cylinder at 2 ft high contains approximately 0.523599 yd³.

Assumptions and interpretation

Uniform prism height and the selected footprint are assumed. Quantity repeats the same section. Calculate different sections separately and add their net volumes. The tool does not specify structural thickness, mix design, excavation swell, truck payload or material density.

Project guides

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Frequently asked questions

Can I calculate a circular section?

Yes. Choose the cylindrical option, enter its footprint diameter and its height, and select the units.

Does the result include compaction or truck capacity?

Only the explicit allowance you enter is applied. No universal compaction factor, density or truck payload is assumed.

What if different sections have different dimensions?

Calculate each section separately and sum net volumes before applying one ordering allowance.