Cubic Yards Calculator: Easy Volume Conversion for Rectangular & Cylindrical Shapes

How to use the tool

1. Select Rectangular Prism or Cylinder.
2. Type dimensions and pick units.
   • Rectangular example A: Length = 10 ft, Width = 30 in, Height = 2 m.
   • Rectangular example B: Length = 4 m, Width = 90 cm, Height = 18 in.
   • Cylinder example A: Diameter = 4 yd, Height = 120 cm.
   • Cylinder example B: Diameter = 250 cm, Height = 6 ft.
3. Press “Calculate” to get volume in cubic yards and cubic feet.
4. Hit “Reset” to clear all fields and start again.

Formulas used

• Unit conversions to yards: Feet ÷ 3; Inches ÷ 36; Meters × 1.09361; Centimeters ÷ 91.44; Yards = value.
• Rectangular volume: $$V = L \times W \times H$$
• Cylindrical volume: $$V = \pi r^{2} H = \pi \Bigl(\frac{D}{2}\Bigr)^{2} H$$

Checked example calculations

Rectangular Prism

Length = 10 ft = 3.33 yd, Width = 30 in = 0.83 yd, Height = 2 m = 2.19 yd. $$V = 3.33 \times 0.83 \times 2.19 \approx 6.07\;{\rm yd^{3}}$$

Cylinder

Diameter = 4 yd ⇒ r = 2 yd, Height = 120 cm = 1.31 yd. $$V = \pi (2)^{2} \times 1.31 \approx 16.48\;{\rm yd^{3}}$$

Quick-Facts

• 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet (NIST, 2008).
• Average U.S. ready-mix concrete price ≈ $135 / yd³ (HomeAdvisor, 2023).
• A standard mixer truck carries about 10 yd³ (NRMCA, 2022).
• Loose topsoil weighs roughly 2,000 lb / yd³ (University of Missouri Extension, 2021).
• 1 m³ = 1.308 yd³ (NIST, 2008).

FAQ

What is a cubic yard?

A cubic yard fills a cube one yard on each side; it equals 27 ft³ and 0.7646 m³ (NIST, 2008).

Why convert to cubic yards?

Construction materials such as concrete, gravel, and mulch are sold by the yard, so yard-based estimates align with supplier pricing (NRMCA, 2022).

How do I switch between units?

Enter any supported unit—feet, inches, meters, centimeters, or yards—and the calculator auto-converts each dimension to yards before computing volume.

Does the tool round results?

Yes, results display to two decimal places for easy reading while underlying calculations keep full precision.

How accurate are the conversions?

The tool uses conversion factors from NIST Special Publication 811, ensuring accuracy to at least four significant figures (NIST, 2008).

Can I estimate project cost with the volume?

Multiply cubic yards by local material price; e.g., 6 yd³ of concrete at $135/yd³ ≈ $810 before delivery fees (HomeAdvisor, 2023).

What if my shape is irregular?

Break the space into smaller rectangular or cylindrical sections, calculate each, then add the volumes.

Is there a weight estimate?

Multiply volume by material density; for topsoil, 6 yd³ × 2,000 lb/yd³ ≈ 12,000 lb (University of Missouri Extension, 2021).