What Is a Cubic Yard?
Understand the cubic yard — how big it is, how it converts, and how much material it holds.
A cubic yard is a unit of volume equal to a cube three feet on every side — 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft. It's the standard way concrete, gravel, soil, and mulch are sold in bulk, so it's worth knowing exactly how much it represents.
Cubic yard conversions
| 1 cubic yard equals | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cubic feet | 27 cu ft |
| Cubic meters | 0.765 m³ |
| US gallons | ≈ 202 gallons |
| Concrete (weight) | ≈ 3,700 lb |
| Gravel (weight) | ≈ 2,800 lb |
| Mulch coverage at 3 in | ≈ 108 sq ft |
Because a cubic yard is a volume, the area it covers depends entirely on depth. Spread one yard of mulch 3 inches deep and it covers about 108 square feet; spread it 2 inches deep and it stretches to roughly 162 square feet. The calculators below convert your measurements both ways.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a cubic yard?
It's a cube three feet on each side — 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft — which equals 27 cubic feet.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
Exactly 27 cubic feet.
How much area does a cubic yard cover?
It depends on depth. One cubic yard covers about 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, or 108 sq ft at 3 inches.