How we calculate

All results are planning estimates. Materials vary by supplier, moisture and region, so confirm with your supplier before ordering.

Assumptions

• One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet.
• Bulk orders round up to the nearest quarter yard.
• Typical weights per cubic yard: gravel and crushed stone 1.4 tons, river rock 1.3, sand 1.35, topsoil 1.1, compost 0.6, asphalt about 2.
• A wheelbarrow load is 5 cubic feet.
• A half-ton pickup trip is limited to 2 cubic yards or 0.75 tons, whichever comes first. Check your own truck's rating.
• Materials that compact include extra, shown on each result.

Each calculator also states its own assumptions under its result, and code-based tools name the table or rule they use. Where we couldn't verify a reliable method, we left the calculator out instead of guessing.

Safety

These tools don't replace an engineer, a permit or local code. Call 811 before you dig in the US.