Whether you’re planning a construction project, landscaping job, or major clean-up, one thing you’ll want to know is how many yards are in a dump truck. Calculating capacity will help you estimate project costs, schedule deliveries, and ensure you have the right equipment for every job. That said, the answer isn’t always straightforward. The number of yards in a dump truck can depend on the size and type of truck you’re using.
In this blog, we’ll look at everything you need to know about dump truck capacity, including how many cubic yards are in a dump truck, how that capacity translates into cubic metres, and what factors impact load size.
How Dump Truck Capacity is Measured
Dump truck capacity is most often measured in cubic yards (yd³), which represents the volume of material the truck bed can hold. To give perspective, one cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet—roughly the size of a standard household washing machine.
For international projects or specifications, capacity is sometimes listed in cubic meters (m³). Since one cubic meter is equal to about 1.3 cubic yards, converting between the two is relatively easy:
- 10 cubic yards ≈ 7.65 cubic meters
- 15 cubic yards ≈ 11.5 cubic meters
To calculate a dump truck’s exact capacity, measure the length, width, and height of the inside of the dump bed in meters. Multiply these three numbers to get the volume in cubic meters, then convert to cubic yards by multiplying the result by 1.3.
Standard Dump Truck Sizes
The most common dump trucks come in a range of sizes, but typical capacities are:
- Small Dump Trucks – 6 to 7 cubic yards (about 4.6–5.3 cubic meters)
- Standard Dump Trucks – 10 to 16 cubic yards (about 7.6–12.2 cubic meters)
- Large Commercial Dump Trucks – 17 to 22 cubic yards (about 13–17 cubic meters)
For heavy-duty projects like roadwork or large construction sites, off-road dump trucks can carry even more—sometimes over 30 cubic yards (about 23 cubic meters).
Factors That Affect Capacity
While it’s helpful to know how many yards are in a dump truck, the actual load a truck can carry depends on more than just volume. Key factors include:
- Material Type – Lighter materials like mulch or wood chips fill up the bed quickly without reaching the truck’s weight limit. Heavy materials like gravel, sand, or soil may max out the truck’s legal weight capacity before reaching the top of the bed.
- Truck Bed Design – High-sided beds can hold more loose material, while standard beds may be limited in volume.
- Weight Restrictions – Road safety regulations limit how much weight trucks can carry. A full load of sand may weigh more than the maximum allowable weight, reducing the total yards hauled.
How Many Yards in a Dump Truck? It’s About Choosing the Right One
If you’re ordering materials or renting equipment, it’s important to match the dump truck size with your project’s needs. If you’re still wondering how many cubic yards in a dump truck, the answer will always depend on what you’re hauling, how much of it you need, and whether you’re working in yards or cubic meters.
At Trucks For Less, our team of experts is here to provide you with the information you need to get your job done right. We provide reliable and affordable equipment you can count on, along with expert advice to ensure you get the right dump truck for your project.
For expert advice and affordable prices, contact Trucks For Less.
