Cubic Yards to Gallons Conversion (yd³ to gal)
Convert between cubic volume and gallons for water, soil, or mulch.
Choose whether you are measuring fluids (like converting cubic yards to gallons of water) or dry bulk materials (like converting cubic yards to gallons of soil).
Definitions: Cubic Yards and Gallons
A Cubic Yard (yd³) is an Imperial and US customary unit of volume. It represents a three-dimensional space measuring 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 3 feet deep. It is the standard unit of measurement used by suppliers selling bulk materials like soil, gravel, mulch, and concrete. Learn more on the Cubic Yard Wikipedia page.
A Gallon (gal) is also a unit of volume, but there are two distinct types used in the United States that affect conversions:
- US Liquid Gallon: Used for fluids (like measuring cubic yards to gallons of water). One liquid gallon equals exactly 231 cubic inches.
- US Dry Gallon: Used occasionally for dry bulk agricultural goods (like measuring cubic yards to gallons soil or mulch). One dry gallon equals 268.8 cubic inches.
How to Convert Between Cubic Yards and Gallons (Formulas)
Because there are two types of gallons, the conversion formula changes based on what you are measuring. A single cubic yard contains 46,656 cubic inches.
1. Converting Cubic Yards to Gallons of Water (Liquid)
Since 1 cubic yard equals approximately 201.974 US liquid gallons, you multiply your yardage by 201.974.
- Formula:
Gallons = Cubic Yards × 201.974 - Example: 2 cubic yards of water: 2 × 201.974 = 403.95 liquid gallons.
2. Converting Cubic Yards to Gallons Soil (Dry)
Since 1 cubic yard equals approximately 173.571 US dry gallons, you multiply your yardage by 173.571.
- Formula:
Gallons = Cubic Yards × 173.571 - Example: 2 cubic yards of soil: 2 × 173.571 = 347.14 dry gallons.
Common Gallon Container Equivalents per Cubic Yard
A quick reference guide for visual volume. All values are rounded approximate equivalents to fill exactly 1 Cubic Yard.
| Container Type | Volume per Container | Amount to fill 1 Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Paint/Utility Bucket | 5 Liquid Gallons | 40.4 buckets |
| Typical Nursery Tree Pot | 15 Gallons | ~ 13.5 pots |
| Large Trash Can / Brute | 44 Liquid Gallons | ~ 4.6 cans |
| Standard Standard Wheelbarrow | ~ 20 to 30 Gallons | ~ 8 to 10 loads |
| Rain Barrel | 55 Liquid Gallons | ~ 3.7 barrels |
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard 5-gallon bucket holds liquid gallons. Since there are approximately 202 liquid gallons in a cubic yard, it takes about 40.4 five-gallon buckets to equal exactly one cubic yard.
There are exactly 173.57 US dry gallons in one cubic yard. A dry gallon is larger than a liquid gallon (268.8 cubic inches vs 231 cubic inches).
You will need just over 40 standard 5-gallon buckets to fill 1 cubic yard of space (202 ÷ 5 = 40.4).
If you are measuring liquids (like water), 201.97 US liquid gallons fit in 1 cubic yard. If you are measuring dry goods (like soil or agricultural products), 173.57 US dry gallons fit in 1 cubic yard.
Yes. In the landscaping and construction industries, a “yard” of dirt, mulch, or gravel is shorthand for a “cubic yard”.
By physical volume, yes; a standard full-size pickup truck bed can hold 1.5 to 2.5 cubic yards of material. However, you must monitor the weight. 1 cubic yard of dry soil or gravel can weigh over a ton, which may exceed a standard half-ton truck’s payload capacity.
An 8-foot long pickup truck bed filled level to the top rails can hold approximately 2.5 cubic yards of material.
It depends heavily on the specific truck’s payload capacity. A yard of wet topsoil can weigh up to 2,200 lbs. While some heavy-duty configured F-150s can handle this payload, many standard F-150s have a payload capacity closer to 1,500-1,800 lbs and would be overloaded. It is generally safer to haul a half-yard at a time in a half-ton truck.
A typical 40lb bag of topsoil contains about 0.75 cubic feet of material. Because a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, you divide 27 by 0.75 to get 36. It takes 36 standard 40lb bags to equal 1 cubic yard.
Dynamic Conversion Table (1 to 1000)
Use the tabs below to toggle the reference chart. Values are updated live based on your selected Gallon Type and decimal precision setting.
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