Guide
What Is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard is a cube three feet on every side — 27 cubic feet. It's the standard unit for gravel, soil, mulch, sand and stone.
Why bulk material is sold by volume
Volume stays consistent while weight changes with moisture and material type. Selling by the yard gives a predictable measure for both the supplier and the customer.
Weight varies a lot by material
A cubic yard of mulch is light. A cubic yard of wet gravel or sand is very heavy. This is why load limits are about weight, not space: a small load is anything under 4 tons, so dense materials reach the limit in fewer yards than light ones.
Visualizing it
A cubic yard is roughly a washing machine and a half in volume. Spread 3 inches deep, it covers about 100 square feet.
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