cubic meters to cubic yards calculator
Convert cubic meters to cubic yards and cubic feet instantly. Enter a metric volume and get the US units suppliers and contracts use.
Cubic meters are the standard metric unit of volume, but US concrete, gravel, and soil suppliers quote and deliver in cubic yards. This calculator converts a cubic meter figure — from an import spec, an international drawing, or a metric-unit supplier — into the cubic yards and cubic feet your US order needs.
How this calculator works
Multiply the cubic meter volume by the conversion factor to get cubic yards, and by a second factor to get cubic feet.
Formula: Cubic yards = cubic meters × 1.30795. Cubic feet = cubic meters × 35.3147.
Worked example
10 cubic meters of material:
- Cubic yards: 10 × 1.30795 ≈ 13.079 yd³
- Cubic feet: 10 × 35.3147 ≈ 353.1 ft³
Reference
| Cubic meters | Cubic yards | Cubic feet |
|---|---|---|
| 1 m³ | 1.308 yd³ | 35.3 ft³ |
| 5 m³ | 6.540 yd³ | 176.6 ft³ |
| 10 m³ | 13.079 yd³ | 353.1 ft³ |
| 25 m³ | 32.699 yd³ | 882.9 ft³ |
Where this conversion is used
Site plans drafted for international projects, imported machinery capacities, and shipping-container volumes are often in cubic meters, while US concrete trucks and gravel deliveries are quoted in cubic yards — this calculator lets you translate one spec sheet into the other without guessing. Once you have your figure in cubic yards, size the actual material order with the Cubic Yard Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards is a cubic meter?
One cubic meter equals about 1.30795 cubic yards. So a cubic meter is a bit bigger than a cubic yard — multiply your cubic meter figure by 1.30795 to get cubic yards.
Why do I need this conversion?
Materials specs, imported equipment, and international plans often list volume in cubic meters, but US suppliers price gravel, concrete, and soil by the cubic yard. This bridges the two so you can order the right amount.
Is the conversion exact or approximate?
It's exact to the precision shown. A cubic yard is defined as exactly 0.764554857984 cubic meters, so the factor 1.30795 (cubic yards per cubic meter) carries several reliable decimal places.
What's the cubic feet figure for?
Cubic feet is the smaller working unit many US calculators and delivery tickets use before dividing by 27 to reach cubic yards. It's shown alongside cubic yards so you can cross-check either figure.
How do I convert cubic yards back to cubic meters?
Divide cubic yards by 1.30795, or multiply by 0.764555. A 10 cubic yard order is about 7.65 cubic meters.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.