Cubic Yards to Bushels Conversion
Convert volume (yd³) to bushels (bu) for agricultural goods and soil.
The volume of a bushel varies depending on your region. Select the standard you are using below to ensure an accurate conversion.
Understanding the Units: Cubic Yards vs. Bushels
A Cubic Yard (yd³) is an Imperial and US customary unit of volume. It measures a three-dimensional space measuring 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet deep. It contains exactly 27 cubic feet. This measurement is widely used for bulk landscaping materials like topsoil, mulch, and gravel. Learn more on the Cubic Yard Wikipedia page.
A Bushel (bu) is an imperial and US customary unit of volume typically used for measuring dry agricultural commodities (like grains, apples, and occasionally dry soils).
- US Dry Bushel: Equal to exactly 2,150.42 cubic inches (approx. 1.244 cubic feet).
- Imperial Bushel: Slightly larger, equal to 8 imperial gallons (approx. 1.284 cubic feet).
How to Convert Between Cubic Yards and Bushels (Formulas)
Because there are roughly 21.696 US dry bushels in a single cubic yard (46,656 cubic inches ÷ 2,150.42 cubic inches), the conversion relies on this fixed multiplier.
- To convert Cubic Yards to Bushels:
Formula:Bushels = Cubic Yards × 21.6962
Example: You need to convert 3 cubic yards of soil into bushels.3 × 21.6962 = 65.088 Bushels. - To convert Bushels to Cubic Yards:
Formula:Cubic Yards = Bushels ÷ 21.6962
Example: You harvested 100 bushels of apples and want to know the volume in cubic yards.100 ÷ 21.6962 = 4.609 Cubic Yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on the density of the material, but for typical topsoil, a 50 lb bag holds roughly 1 cubic foot of dirt. Because there are 27 cubic feet in a yard, you would need about 27 fifty-pound bags to equal one cubic yard.
One standard US dry bushel is equal to approximately 1.24446 cubic feet. An Imperial bushel is slightly larger, equaling roughly 1.284 cubic feet.
A typical contractor wheelbarrow holds between 2 and 3 cubic feet of material when loaded level. Since a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, it takes between 9 and 14 trips with a standard wheelbarrow to move 1 cubic yard.
A standard 40 lb bag of topsoil or compost contains about 0.75 cubic feet of material. Since a yard is 27 cubic feet, you divide 27 by 0.75, which equals exactly 36 bags per cubic yard.
A 40lb bag yields about 0.75 cubic feet. If you spread the soil at a depth of 1 inch, one bag will cover 9 square feet. If you spread it 2 inches deep, it covers 4.5 square feet.
For small garden beds requiring less than a yard, bags are convenient and economical. However, for projects requiring 1 or more cubic yards, buying in bulk from a local landscape supplier is significantly cheaper, even factoring in delivery fees.
If applied over an existing lawn, 2 inches is too thick and will smother and kill the existing grass. Topdressing an existing lawn should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. For a brand-new lawn, 2 inches of topsoil is an excellent foundational layer for seeds.
Because 1 cubic yard takes 9 to 14 wheelbarrow loads (depending on the wheelbarrow size and how high you stack it), 2 yards of topsoil will require roughly 18 to 28 full wheelbarrow loads.
The price varies by region and soil quality. Basic unscreened fill dirt can be $15 to $20 per yard. High-quality, screened topsoil mixed with compost typically ranges from $35 to $50 per cubic yard, excluding delivery fees.
Dynamic Conversion Table (1-1000)
Use the tabs below to toggle the reference chart. Values are automatically calculated based on your selected Bushel Standard and decimal precision.
Relatd Caculators: