The calculation, without hidden assumptions
Generic volume and cubic-yard searches increasingly converge on the same practical workflow: measure a shape or known area, apply depth, convert the result into the units suppliers use, then optionally estimate allowance, weight and cost. MAXScanner keeps that broad job on one canonical Volume owner instead of creating a thin cubic-yard doorway page. Shape geometry stays reusable while material-specific calculators such as Gravel, Concrete and Mulch remain the better destination when their special assumptions matter.
How to use this calculator
Choose box, cylinder, sphere or area × depth. Enter dimensions in feet; for area × depth, enter square feet and depth in inches.
Add an optional waste/extra allowance. Enter density in lb/ft³ only when you need an estimated material weight.
Review raw and order volume in ft³, yd³ and m³, plus optional tons and bulk cost. For concrete, gravel, mulch or another specific material, continue to its dedicated calculator for deeper planning.
Where people use it
- •Cubic-yard ordering checks
- •Landscape area × depth planning
- •Container and fabrication geometry
- •Comparing supplier volume units
- •Quick material weight and bulk-cost estimates
Example: 20 ft × 10 ft area at 4 in depth
Area × depth gives 20 × 10 × (4/12) = 66.667 ft³, or about 2.469 yd³ before allowance. With 10% extra, the order volume is about 2.716 yd³.
What the result does not assume
- •Dimensions are planning geometry, not a supplier guarantee. Settling, compaction, moisture and irregular excavation can change the required order quantity.
- •Density is optional and user-entered because material weights vary substantially with composition and moisture.
- •For material-specific bag counts, compaction or mix assumptions, use the dedicated Gravel, Concrete, Mulch or Paver Base calculator rather than forcing generic assumptions here.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?+
Exactly 27 cubic feet equal one cubic yard.
How do I calculate cubic yards from square feet and depth?+
Multiply area in square feet by depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. This calculator accepts depth in inches and performs both conversions.
Should I add waste?+
Only when the project needs an allowance for irregularity, settling, spillage or ordering margin. The percentage is editable and is shown separately from raw geometric volume.
Can this estimate tons?+
Yes, when you enter an appropriate material density in pounds per cubic foot. The result remains an estimate because real density changes with material and moisture.
Semantic next steps
Continue the calculation
These links move to a different input, formula or project stage rather than a keyword variation of this page.
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Estimate gravel volume from length, width and depth, add a project allowance and convert cubic yards to tons using a density you can verify with the supplier.
OpenConcrete Calculator — Slab and Cylinder Volume
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OpenPaver Base Calculator — Gravel, Bedding Sand, Tons & Bags
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OpenFreight Density Calculator — lb/ft³, kg/m³ & Estimated NMFC Class
Calculate LTL freight density from packaged dimensions, weight and quantity, then see the matching 2025 NMFC full-density class band with metric and imperial totals.
OpenContainer Load Calculator — How Many Boxes Fit in 20ft & 40ft Containers
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OpenMore in this calculator collection
Browse nearby calculators in the same topic cluster so related pages reinforce each other instead of sitting as isolated URLs.
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Keep the result connected to the real job
MAXScanner keeps the formula and assumptions beside the result so you can verify the number before using it in a drawing, estimate, specification, worksheet or document. Where a supplier, manufacturer, drawing or applicable standard owns a requirement, that source remains authoritative.