METHOD · VERSION 1.1.0

Simple maths.
Visible assumptions.

YardCarry is an independent, free planning calculator for one person moving loose material. It does not predict productivity or assess a landscaping design. Every result comes from the figures you enter.

1. Put both volumes in the same unit

1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet = 764.554857984 litres. 1 cubic metre = 1,000 litres. A foot is exactly 0.3048 metres. These are unit conversions, not material density estimates. See NIST’s conversion factors.

2. Round trips up

trips = ceiling(total volume ÷ actual usable volume per trip)

Your usable volume can be smaller than the tray rating. Enter it directly. A last partial load still requires a trip. Tiny numerical round-off at an exact whole load is ignored.

3. Multiply by your complete cycle time

cycle hours = trips × minutes per full cycle ÷ 60

planned hours = cycle hours × (1 + extra time percentage ÷ 100)

working days = ceiling(planned hours ÷ hours set aside per day)

Time several cycles that include loading, travel, unloading and return. The final partial trip receives the same time as a full trip. Extra time is your own assumption for breaks or slower later trips, not a scientifically established fatigue factor. Add spreading, leveling and cleanup yourself where needed.

4. Compare like with like

hours saved = DIY planned hours − your hours with the alternative

extra cash per hour saved = extra quoted cost ÷ hours saved

Both time figures refer to your time, not a contractor’s total labour hours. Extra cost is the additional cash beyond your DIY option: include hire fees, delivery, fuel and collection costs as relevant. A zero or negative time saving does not produce an hourly saving price. Currency is a label; there is no exchange-rate conversion.

What this cannot tell you

The tool cannot check material weight, wheelbarrow rated load, slopes, steps, ground condition, fitness, equipment access or safe working practices. It cannot decide whether adding soil is appropriate for drainage or lawn health. It does not estimate loose volume from compacted ground or convert tonnes into cubic yards.

Confirm the actual material volume and delivery conditions with your supplier. Treat all output as a scenario you can revise, not an engineering recommendation or a promised completion time.