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Units of Measureaka: CYaka: cu yd

Cubic Yard

In Plain English

The standard unit for measuring concrete and earthwork volume, equal to 27 cubic feet.

Definition

A cubic yard is a unit of volume equal to 27 cubic feet (3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet). Cubic yards are the standard unit for ordering and pricing ready-mix concrete, as well as for quantifying earthwork excavation, fill, and hauling. Concrete mix designs are specified and priced per cubic yard, and transit mixers typically carry 8–10 cubic yards per load.

Why It Matters in Bidding

The cubic yard is the pricing and ordering unit for concrete and earthwork, so volume takeoff accuracy directly drives the dollars in those line items. Estimators must convert dimensions correctly, add waste and over-excavation allowances, and account for truck load sizes and minimum-load or short-load fees that can quietly inflate concrete delivery costs.

Example

Taking off a slab, the estimator calculates 46 cubic yards of concrete, adds a five percent waste factor, and rounds up to full truckloads to avoid short-load charges in the bid.

Related Terms

Yard (concrete)Unit PriceLump Sum

Frequently Asked Questions

They compute the volume in cubic feet (length times width times thickness, all in feet) and divide by 27. For slabs, thickness is converted from inches to feet first. A waste and spillage factor, commonly around five to ten percent, is then added so the order covers field losses and uneven subgrade.
Ready-mix concrete is priced per cubic yard, and earthwork excavation, fill, and hauling are quantified the same way. Estimators also watch for short-load or minimum-load surcharges when an order falls below a full truck, plus standby and overtime delivery fees, which raise the effective cost per yard.
A standard transit mixer typically carries about 8 to 10 cubic yards per load, though trucks are often not filled to full legal capacity. Estimators use this to plan deliveries, sequence pours, and round orders to minimize partial loads that trigger short-load fees and idle crew time.

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