How much is a cubic yard?

Tips for Estimating Materials

When planning your next landscaping or construction project, understanding how much material you need is key. At Thomas Contracting, we often get asked: “How much is a cubic yard, really?”

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 1 cubic yard = 3ft x 3ft x 3ft

• That’s about one skid steer bucket of material

• It will cover approximately 10ft x 11ft at 3 inches thick

• Or equal to 8 wheelbarrow loads

• Or roughly 40 five-gallon buckets

  
  

When it comes to weight, keep in mind:

• Gravel = ~3,000 lbs per cubic yard

• Soil = ~2,500 lbs per cubic yard