How to calculate a pickup truck load
A pickup bed often has room for 1 to 2 cubic yards by volume, but payload limits usually stop you first.
- Measure the inside length, the width between the wheel wells, and a safe fill height.
- Read the volume in cubic yards.
- Pick a material to see the weight.
- Compare the weight with your truck payload rating.
Worked example
For a typical pickup truck load with length 6.5 ft, width 5 ft, depth 1.5 ft, the volume is 48.75 cubic feet. Divide by 27 for 1.81 cubic yards. With a 10 percent allowance, plan for 1.99 cubic yards.
Pickup Truck Load sizes and quantities
These common sizes are calculated with the same formula as the tool above, so you can find your number quickly.
| Size | Cubic feet | Cubic yards | With 10 percent extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 ft bed, 4.5 ft wide, 1.5 ft high | 37.12 | 1.38 | 1.51 |
| 6.5 ft bed, 5 ft wide, 1.5 ft high | 48.75 | 1.81 | 1.99 |
| 8 ft bed, 5 ft wide, 1.5 ft high | 60.00 | 2.22 | 2.44 |
| 8 ft bed, 5 ft wide, 2 ft high | 80.00 | 2.96 | 3.26 |
Tips
- The payload is on the door jamb sticker of most trucks.
- Light loads like mulch fill the bed first, and heavy loads like gravel hit the payload first.
- Tie down or tarp every load.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Loading by volume only.
- Using the full bed width, which wheel wells reduce.
- Overloading the rear axle.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards do I need for a pickup truck load?
Multiply the dimensions in feet and divide by 27. The example above, length 6.5 ft, width 5 ft, depth 1.5 ft, needs 1.81 cubic yards before waste.
How much extra should I order?
Add 5 to 10 percent for waste. Add more if the ground is uneven or the material is loose.
Can I enter inches and feet together?
Yes. Each box has its own unit selector, so you can mix feet and inches.
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