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Gravel Cubic Yard Calculator

Calculate exact cubic yards (yd³), cubic feet (ft³), and cubic meters (m³) of gravel from dimensions in feet, inches, meters, or centimeters. Includes square foot coverage reference charts.

The Mathematics of Cubic Yards

A cubic yard (abbreviated yd³ or cu yd) is the universal volume unit used by landscape supply yards, excavation contractors, and topsoil depots throughout North America.

One linear yard equals 3 feet. Therefore, a 3-dimensional cube measuring one yard in each dimension contains:

Volume Equivalence: 1 Yard = 3 Feet
1 Cubic Yard = 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 Cubic Feet
1 Cubic Yard ≈ 0.76455 Cubic Meters

Quick Coverage Chart: How Much 1 Cubic Yard Covers

Use this handy reference table to quickly estimate how much area one cubic yard covers at common landscape depths:

Installed Depth Sq Ft Covered by 1 Yard Typical Application
1 Inch 324 sq ft Thin top-dressing refresh
2 Inches 162 sq ft Weed-suppressing garden path, walkway
3 Inches 108 sq ft Pea gravel patio, landscape rock beds
4 Inches 81 sq ft Driveways, shed pads, parking stalls
6 Inches 54 sq ft Compacted sub-base course, heavy equipment pads

Frequently Asked Questions About Cubic Yards

One cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. At 1 inch deep, it covers 324 sq ft; at 2 inches deep, it covers 162 sq ft; at 3 inches deep, it covers 108 sq ft; at 4 inches deep, it covers 81 sq ft; and at 6 inches deep, it covers 54 sq ft.

Multiply length (in feet) by width (in feet) to find total square feet. Multiply square feet by depth in feet (depth in inches divided by 12) to calculate cubic feet. Finally, divide total cubic feet by 27 to obtain cubic yards.

One cubic yard is a cube that measures 3 feet long by 3 feet wide by 3 feet tall (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet). It easily fills the entire bed of a standard standard-bed pickup truck up to the top rails.

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