Measure the project area
Measure in feet and use the finished area—not the size of the entire property. Break irregular spaces into smaller rectangles, circles, or triangles and calculate each section separately.
Convert volume to cubic yards
Length × Width × Depth in feet÷ 27 = cubic yards
Because depth is often measured in inches, divide the depth by 12 before using it in the formula. For example, four inches is 0.333 feet.
Use the estimate as guidance
- Uneven ground, settlement, compaction, and waste can affect the amount used.
- Ordering guidance should not be treated as a guarantee of exact field coverage.
- Round the ordering recommendation up to the next half cubic yard, without changing an exact half-yard result.
- Confirm truck access, product availability, and pickup or delivery requirements before ordering.
Helpful measurement: Verify the planned depth at several points instead of relying on one location.