How to calculate a wheelbarrow load
Most wheelbarrows hold 3 to 6 cubic feet, so you can turn a delivered pile into a number of trips.
- Measure the load area of your wheelbarrow, or use its printed capacity.
- Read the volume in cubic feet and cubic yards.
- Divide 27 by that volume to find the trips per cubic yard.
- Plan for fewer trips with heavy materials, because loads are limited by weight.
Worked example
For a typical wheelbarrow load with length 30 in, width 24 in, depth 10 in, the volume is 4.17 cubic feet. Divide by 27 for 0.15 cubic yards. With a 10 percent allowance, plan for 0.17 cubic yards.
Wheelbarrow Load sizes and quantities
These common sizes are calculated with the same formula as the tool above, so you can find your number quickly.
| Size | Cubic feet | Cubic yards | With 10 percent extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 by 20 in, 8 in deep | 2.22 | 0.08 | 0.09 |
| 30 by 24 in, 10 in deep | 4.17 | 0.15 | 0.17 |
| 34 by 26 in, 12 in deep | 6.14 | 0.23 | 0.25 |
| 40 by 28 in, 14 in deep | 9.07 | 0.34 | 0.37 |
Tips
- A 3 cubic foot barrow needs 9 trips per cubic yard.
- A 6 cubic foot barrow needs about 4.5 trips.
- Wet soil and gravel weigh a lot, so load lightly.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the labeled maximum for heavy materials.
- Heaping the load and tipping on a slope.
- Forgetting to count return trips in your time estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards do I need for a wheelbarrow load?
Multiply the dimensions in feet and divide by 27. The example above, length 30 in, width 24 in, depth 10 in, needs 0.15 cubic yards before waste.
How much extra should I order?
Add 5 to 10 percent for waste. Add more if the ground is uneven or the material is loose.
Can I enter inches and feet together?
Yes. Each box has its own unit selector, so you can mix feet and inches.
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