What Is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard is a cube measuring 3 feet on each side — 27 cubic feet total. It is the standard unit for ordering mulch, topsoil, gravel, sand, and concrete in the US.
Reviewed by licensed contractors
Our editorial team researches and fact-checks material calculations with input from licensed contractors, landscape designers, and certified tradespeople across the US.
Mulch Calculator — see exactly how many cubic yards you need
Enter your exact dimensions for a personalized estimate →
The basics
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| 1 cubic yard | 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft |
| 1 cubic yard | 27 cubic feet |
| 1 cubic yard | 46,656 cubic inches |
| 1 cubic yard | 0.7646 cubic meters |
Think of it as a cube about the size of a standard washing machine or a large dresser.
How much does a cubic yard weigh?
| Material | Weight per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| Mulch (shredded) | 400–800 lbs |
| Topsoil (dry) | ~2,200 lbs (1.1 tons) |
| Sand | 2,600–2,700 lbs (1.30–1.35 tons) |
| Gravel / crushed stone | 2,700–3,000 lbs (1.35–1.50 tons) |
| Concrete (wet mix) | ~4,050 lbs (2.0 tons) |
How much area does a cubic yard cover?
| Material | Depth | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Mulch | 2 inches | 162 sq ft |
| Mulch | 3 inches | 108 sq ft |
| Topsoil | 4 inches | 81 sq ft |
| Gravel | 2 inches | 162 sq ft |
| Gravel | 4 inches | 81 sq ft |
Formula: Coverage (sq ft) = 324 ÷ Depth (in)
How many bags equal a cubic yard?
| Material | Bag size | Bags per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| Mulch | 2 cu ft | 13.5 bags |
| Topsoil | 40 lb (0.75 cu ft) | 36 bags |
| Sand | 50 lb (0.50 cu ft) | 54 bags |
| Concrete | 80 lb (0.60 cu ft) | 45 bags |
Visualizing a cubic yard
- 9 wheelbarrow loads (standard 3 cu ft contractor barrow)
- A cube 3 feet tall × 3 feet wide × 3 feet deep
- About the size of a standard washing machine
- A pickup truck bed holds roughly 1–2 cubic yards (depending on truck size and material density)
Use our calculators to find exactly how many cubic yards you need for your project — no guesswork required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is a cube that measures 3 feet on each side (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet). Imagine a cube about the size of a standard washing machine.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are exactly 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. This comes from: 1 yard = 3 feet, so 1 cubic yard = 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 cubic feet.
How much is a cubic yard of mulch?
A cubic yard of bulk mulch typically costs $25–$60 depending on your region and mulch type. It covers 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep, or 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep.
How many wheelbarrows in a cubic yard?
A standard contractor wheelbarrow holds about 3 cubic feet. So 1 cubic yard = 27 cu ft ÷ 3 cu ft per load = 9 wheelbarrow loads.
How heavy is a cubic yard of soil?
A cubic yard of topsoil weighs approximately 2,200 lbs (1.1 tons) when dry. Gravel is heavier at 2,700–3,000 lbs per cubic yard. Mulch is lighter at 400–800 lbs per cubic yard.
Get a free local quote
Know your material quantities? Get a free quote from a local contractor for your project.
✅ Sent! We'll be in touch soon.
No spam · We connect you with 1–3 local pros