How the pile calculator works
Use this when you need the size of a stockpile of soil, gravel, mulch, or debris, or want to check a delivered pile against your ticket.
Use this cubic yard calculator for a pile to get cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters, and a cost estimate in one step.
The calculator multiplies out the volume in cubic feet, then divides by 27, because a cubic yard is a cube that is 3 feet on each side. For this shape the formula is shown below in words and symbols.
In plain words: the volume of a cone, which matches most loose piles, then divide by 27 if your answer is in cubic feet. Mixed units are fine. Pick feet, inches, yards, meters, or centimeters next to each box and the tool converts them for you.
Worked example for a pile
Take a pile with base diameter 12 ft, height 5 ft. The volume works out to 188.50 cubic feet. Divide by 27 and you get 6.98 cubic yards. With 10 percent extra for waste, order about 7.68 cubic yards.
Measuring a pile
Pace out the width at the base of the pile, and measure the height from the ground to the top. Piles are rarely perfect, so treat the answer as an estimate.
Common uses for the pile calculator
- Checking a delivered load
- Measuring topsoil and sand stockpiles
- Estimating a debris or brush pile
- Comparing a pile to the amount you ordered
Pile volume at different sizes
The table scales the example above so you can see how fast volume grows. Doubling the depth doubles the volume. Doubling every length quadruples the area, and with the same depth the volume quadruples too.
| Size | Cubic feet | Cubic yards | With 10 percent extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft by 5 ft | 47.12 | 1.75 | 1.92 |
| 12 ft by 5 ft | 188.50 | 6.98 | 7.68 |
| 18 ft by 5 ft | 424.12 | 15.71 | 17.28 |
| 24 ft by 5 ft | 753.98 | 27.93 | 30.72 |
| 36 ft by 5 ft | 1,696.46 | 62.83 | 69.12 |
| 12 ft by 10 ft | 376.99 | 13.96 | 15.36 |
| 24 ft by 10 ft | 1,507.96 | 55.85 | 61.44 |
What the 6.98 cubic yard example weighs
Volume is only half of the story when a truck is hauling the load. The table shows planning weights for the example volume in several materials.
| Material | US tons | Pounds |
|---|---|---|
| Topsoil | 7.68 | 15,359 |
| Mulch | 2.44 | 4,887 |
| Gravel | 9.77 | 19,548 |
| Sand | 9.42 | 18,850 |
| Concrete | 14.14 | 28,274 |
| Compost | 3.49 | 6,981 |
These figures are planning estimates. Real material varies in moisture, size, and compaction, so confirm weights and order quantities with your supplier.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate cubic yards for a pile?
Find the volume in cubic feet, then divide by 27. For this shape: the volume of a cone, which matches most loose piles. Convert inches to feet first by dividing by 12.
How many cubic yards is the example pile?
Base diameter 12 ft, height 5 ft comes to 6.98 cubic yards, or 188.50 cubic feet.
How much extra should I order?
Most people add 5 to 10 percent for waste, and 10 to 15 percent for rough ground or loose material.
Can I use metric units?
Yes. Choose meters or centimeters next to any length. The result still shows cubic yards, and the cubic meter figure sits beside it.
Why does the answer change with the material?
The volume does not change, but weight and bag counts do, because each material has a different density.