How Much Is a Cubic Yard?

bricks in a dumpster

Updated February 23, 2023

Dumpster rentals come in a variety of sizes, and each size is measured in cubic yards.

Knowing how to estimate your junk or debris in cubic yards will make it easy for you to choose the right dumpster size for your project.

A cubic yard measures 1 yard L x 1 yard W x 1 yard H.

1 yard is 3 feet, so 1 cubic yard is 27 cubic feet.

The most common dumpster sizes include:

Oftentimes, these container measurements are shortened to just 10 yards, 15 yards, 20 yards, 30 yards, and 40 yards.


Find dumpster rentals near me


dumpster cubic yards infographic

To get a better idea of exactly how much junk or debris fits into a cubic yard and the most popular dumpster sizes, we’ve broken it down into various visuals for you:

10 Cubic Yard Dumpster

3-4 pick-up truck loads

90-135 wheelbarrow loads

55-65 33-gallon trash bags

Learn more:

15 Cubic Yard Dumpster

4-5 pick-up truck loads

135-202 wheelbarrow loads

82-98 33-gallon trash bags

Keep reading: Why 15 Yard Dumpsters Are the Right Size for the Right Cost

20 Cubic Yard Dumpster

6-8 pick-up truck loads

180-270 wheelbarrow loads

110-130 33-gallon trash bags

Find out more:

30 Cubic Yard Dumpster

8-10 pick-up truck loads

270-405 wheelbarrow loads

170-190 33-gallon trash bags

Read on:

40 Cubic Yard Dumpster

12-16 pick-up truck loads

360-540 wheelbarrow loads

230-250 33-gallon trash bags

More reading:


Find dumpster rental near me


Learn more: