Cubic Yard

Definition

A unit of volume equal to 27 cubic feet (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft), the standard measure for concrete, mulch, topsoil, and gravel in the United States. One cubic yard weighs approximately 4,050 lb for concrete, 1,000 lb for wet topsoil, and 2,700 lb for dry gravel. A 10 ft × 10 ft slab poured 4 inches thick requires 1.24 cubic yards (10 × 10 × 0.333 ÷ 27). Ready-mix trucks typically hold 8-10 cubic yards, so smaller pours under 3 yards often incur short-load fees of $50-150.