Cubic Yards Cylinder Calculator

Calculate the volume of a cylinder in cubic yards from radius and height, with conversions to cubic feet, gallons, and other units.

Enter Cylinder Dimensions (in Yards)

Result

Volume
37.699112
cubic yards (yd³)
Radius 2 yd
Height 3 yd
Volume (yd³) 37.699112 yd³
Volume (ft³) 1,017.88 ft³
Volume (US Gallons) 7,613.94 gal
Volume (Liters) 28,823.39 L
Volume (m³) 28.823 m³

Step-by-Step Solution

V = πr²h = π × 2² × 3 = 37.699112 yd³

Cylinder Volume in Cubic Yards

Cubic yards (yd³) is the standard unit of volume for large-scale construction, landscaping, and earthwork projects in the United States. Concrete, gravel, mulch, topsoil, and fill dirt are all commonly sold and measured in cubic yards. This calculator computes the volume of a cylinder in cubic yards when the radius and height are provided in yards.

The formula V = πr²h applies to any right circular cylinder. When both measurements are in yards, the volume is automatically in cubic yards. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, approximately 201.974 US gallons, or about 764.555 liters.

Cubic Yard Conversion Reference

Cubic Yards to Cubic Feet

The most common conversion in construction.

1 yd³ = 27 ft³

Cubic Yards to US Gallons

For liquid volume estimation.

1 yd³ = 201.974 US gal

Cubic Yards to Liters

Convert to metric volume.

1 yd³ = 764.555 L

Cubic Yards to Cubic Meters

For international metric projects.

1 yd³ = 0.764555 m³

When to Use Cubic Yards

Cubic yards is the preferred unit for ordering construction materials in the US. Here are common scenarios where you need cylinder volume in cubic yards:

  • Concrete Columns: Cylindrical concrete piers, footings, and structural columns. Order concrete in cubic yards from a ready-mix plant.
  • Sonotubes: Cylindrical cardboard forms used for pouring concrete footings (e.g., deck posts).
  • Cisterns & Tanks: Large cylindrical water storage tanks for construction or agricultural use.
  • Landscape Features: Round planters, fire pits, or water features that require fill material.
  • Excavation: Cylindrical bore holes or well shafts where you need to know the volume of material removed.

Converting from Feet to Yards

If your measurements are in feet, divide by 3 to convert to yards (since 1 yard = 3 feet). For example, a cylinder with a 6-foot radius and 9-foot height has a radius of 2 yards and height of 3 yards. Alternatively, calculate the volume in cubic feet and divide the result by 27 to get cubic yards.

Ordering Concrete

When ordering concrete for cylindrical forms, always add 5-10% extra to account for waste, spillage, and slight variations in dimensions. Concrete is typically delivered by the cubic yard. A standard concrete truck can carry about 10 cubic yards, while a short-load truck carries smaller quantities (usually 1-5 cubic yards). Some suppliers charge extra for short loads (less than a full truck).

Weight Estimation

Knowing the volume in cubic yards also helps estimate weight. Common material weights per cubic yard include: concrete (approximately 4,050 lbs), gravel (approximately 2,700 lbs), sand (approximately 2,700 lbs), topsoil (approximately 2,200 lbs), and mulch (approximately 400-800 lbs). These weights can vary significantly based on moisture content and material density.

Measurement Tips

For accurate results, measure the inside dimensions of the cylindrical form or container. For concrete sonotubes, the listed size is usually the inside diameter. If you are calculating the volume of a hole you have dug, note that hand-dug cylindrical holes are rarely perfectly round -- take several diameter measurements and use the average.