How to calculate cubic yards
Multiply length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27, because a cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cu ft. Depth is usually measured in inches, so divide it by 12 first: a 10 × 10 ft area 4 in deep is 10 × 10 × 0.333 ÷ 27 = 1.23 cu yd.
Ordering bulk material
Landscape suppliers usually sell in whole, half or quarter yards. Round up and add about 5–10% for settling and uneven ground.