Volume Calculation: Cubic Yards

Basic Formula

Cubic Yards = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth ft) ÷ 27

Example: 100 ft long × 50 ft wide × 2 ft deep = 10,000 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 370 cubic yards

Bank vs Loose vs Compact

Swell Factor Conversions

MaterialSwell %BCY to LCY
Topsoil5-10%Multiply by 1.05-1.10
Clay20-30%Multiply by 1.20-1.30
Sand10-15%Multiply by 1.10-1.15
Rock50-60%Multiply by 1.50-1.60

Quick Estimation

1 acre, 1 foot deep = ~160 cubic yards (rough rule of thumb)


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