Area to Volume Calculator
Need 3D Volume from 2D Area? Calculate Instantly
Select Shape
Measurement Units
Area
0.00 ft²
0.00 m²
Volume
0.00 ft³
0.00 m³
Cubic Yards
0.00
Liters
0.00
Gallons (US)
0.00
Cubic Meters
0.00
Material Estimates
60 lb bags (0.45 ft³ each)
2 ft³ bags each
How It Works
Converting area to volume follows a simple principle: multiply the area by the depth or height. The formula is straightforward:
Volume = Area × Depth
Where:
• Area is measured in square units (ft², m²)
• Depth is measured in linear units (ft, m)
• Volume is measured in cubic units (ft³, m³)
For different shapes, you calculate area first, then multiply by depth:
Rectangle: Area = Length × Width
Circle: Area = π × Radius²
Triangle: Area = (Base × Height) ÷ 2
Once you have the area, multiply by your desired depth to get volume. A 10 ft × 10 ft area (100 ft²) with 1 ft depth equals 100 ft³. With 2 ft depth, it becomes 200 ft³. The calculator does all these steps instantly.
Why Convert Area to Volume?
You need volume calculations for many practical projects:
Construction: Calculate concrete for slabs, footings, or foundations
Landscaping: Determine soil, mulch, or gravel needs for garden beds
Pool Installation: Estimate water volume for filling
Material Estimation: Calculate how much material fits in a given space
Shipping: Determine cargo space requirements
Without proper volume calculations, you might order too much material (wasting money) or too little (delaying your project). This calculator eliminates guesswork.
Common Conversion Questions
What If My Depth Varies Across the Area?
For uneven depths (like a sloped garden bed or tapered concrete pad), use the average depth. Measure the deepest point and shallowest point, add them together, and divide by two.
Example: Your garden bed is 4 ft deep at one end and 2 ft deep at the other. Average depth = (4 + 2) ÷ 2 = 3 ft. Use 3 ft as your depth in the calculator.
How Do I Account for Wastage?
Materials like concrete, soil, and mulch often require extra for spillage, compaction, or irregularities. Add 5-10% to your calculated volume:
Adjusted Volume = Calculated Volume × 1.05 (for 5% waste)
Adjusted Volume = Calculated Volume × 1.10 (for 10% waste)
For critical projects like concrete foundations, always consult a professional who can account for local conditions and building codes.
Unit Conversion Essentials
| From | To | Multiply By | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cubic Feet (ft³) | Cubic Yards (yd³) | 0.03704 | 27 ft³ = 1 yd³ |
| Cubic Feet (ft³) | Gallons (US) | 7.48052 | 10 ft³ = 74.8 gal |
| Cubic Meters (m³) | Liters | 1000 | 1 m³ = 1000 L |
| Square Feet (ft²) | Square Meters (m²) | 0.0929 | 100 ft² = 9.29 m² |
| Cubic Yards (yd³) | Tons (gravel) | 1.4 | 1 yd³ ≈ 1.4 tons |
Practical Examples Table
| Project | Area | Depth | Volume | Materials Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete Patio | 12 ft × 10 ft | 4 in (0.33 ft) | 40 ft³ | 1.48 yd³ concrete |
| Garden Bed | 8 ft × 4 ft | 1 ft | 32 ft³ | 16 bags of soil |
| Pool Fill | 15 ft diameter circle | 4 ft | 706.86 ft³ | 5,287 gallons |
| Driveway Gravel | 20 ft × 12 ft | 6 in (0.5 ft) | 120 ft³ | 4.44 yd³ gravel |
| Mulch for Trees | 4 ft radius circle | 3 in (0.25 ft) | 12.57 ft³ | 6-7 mulch bags |
Depth Considerations by Material
Concrete Slabs: Typically 4 inches (0.33 ft) for walkways, 6 inches (0.5 ft) for driveways
Garden Soil: 6-12 inches (0.5-1 ft) for most plants, 18 inches (1.5 ft) for deep-rooted vegetables
Mulch: 2-3 inches (0.17-0.25 ft) for weed suppression, 4 inches (0.33 ft) for new beds
Gravel Base: 4-6 inches (0.33-0.5 ft) for patios, 8-12 inches (0.67-1 ft) for driveways
Pool Water: Full depth for swimming, typically 4-8 ft
Always check local building codes or manufacturer recommendations for specific depth requirements in your area.
How to Measure Irregular Areas
For non-rectangular areas, break them into regular shapes:
- Divide the irregular area into rectangles, triangles, or circles
- Calculate the area of each section separately
- Add all the areas together to get total area
- Multiply total area by depth to get volume
Example: An L-shaped garden bed can be divided into two rectangles. Calculate each rectangle’s area, add them together, then multiply by depth.
For very complex shapes, consider using a professional survey or specialized software. This calculator works best for standard geometric shapes.
Material Coverage Estimates
| Material | Bag Size | Covers (at 3″ depth) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete Mix | 60 lb | 0.45 ft³ | For small projects, repairs |
| Topsoil | 40 lb | 0.75 ft³ | For gardens, lawns |
| Mulch | 2 ft³ bag | 8 ft² | Standard bag size |
| Gravel | 50 lb | 0.5 ft³ | For drainage, paths |
| Sand | 50 lb | 0.5 ft³ | For leveling, pavers |
Cost Estimation Tips
Once you know the volume needed, you can estimate costs:
Total Cost = Volume × Cost per Unit Volume
Example: You need 40 ft³ of concrete. Concrete costs $150 per cubic yard.
40 ft³ = 1.48 yd³ × $150 = $222 total cost
Remember to include:
• Delivery fees (often based on distance and minimum order)
• Equipment rental (wheelbarrows, mixers, etc.)
• Waste factor (add 5-10% to your calculated volume)
• Sales tax (varies by location)
Get multiple quotes from suppliers, as prices can vary significantly based on quantity, delivery distance, and current market conditions.
Safety and Best Practices
1. Always verify your measurements twice before ordering materials.
2. For structural projects (concrete foundations, retaining walls), consult a structural engineer or licensed contractor.
3. Consider accessibility: Can delivery trucks reach your site? Do you need equipment to move materials?
4. Check weather conditions: Don’t pour concrete in freezing temperatures or heavy rain.
5. Have help available: Moving bulk materials is physically demanding work.
Note: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes. For critical projects, consult with professionals and obtain exact measurements from site surveys.