Is a "yard" of concrete actually 36"x36"x36"?

Question

It's probably a stupid question, but when someone says they "need 5 yards of concrete to do the job", are those "yards" of concrete measured like square yards of everything else? I have a sneaky suspicion that a yard of concrete is measured differently then 36"x36"x36"... I have a crazy concrete form I built and it has many angles & stuff and I don't want to measure incorrectly. Any knowledgeable input would be appreciated. Thanx!

Answer 1

Certainly as explained, and you probably knew, a cubic yard in the measurements you give.

   I suspect, though I am not a Concrete Guru, that at one time, MIXED concrete might have been measured in a cubic FORM, but by now, I suspect a weight has been determined and that is how it is loaded into trucks, bags, etc.

   Any decent Concrete contactor, given the meaurements could easily offer a suggestion regarding an amount you need.

   For any of us here, to assume any design or depth is ludicrous, but YOU KNOW, and can probably even do the math. Assume for a moment, even if this is abstract, that a cubic yard of concrete was delivered in  container, measuring 1 cubic yard. If you were to pour 6 inch slabs at 36 in. x 36., you could assume to get 6 slabs from that container.

Steven Wolf

Just my two "sense"

Answer 2

It's a 'cubic yard'.

You've got it right.

You'll have to calculate the volume of your form.

It's better to have a bit too much than too little.

It's a good idea to make provision for a bit extra

and order it.

You can always use a pad for the garbage cans or something similar.

Answer 3

36 wide x 36 long x 36 tall  is a cubic measurement. The proper measurement would be 36 wide x 36 long x ? tall. How thick is your concrete slab going to be? If it is three inches thick then the answer would be 36x36x3. A square yard is 36x36, a cubic yard is 36x36x36. To get the proper amount of cement you should check the bag for usage amounts. Your local building supply store should have someone who can calculate how much you will need for the space you are going to fill.