A standard truck bed holds 2-3 cubic yards of material.
A truck bed's capacity depends on its size, measured in cubic yards. A standard short bed (6' long) holds about 2 cubic yards, a standard long bed (8' long) holds 3 cubic yards, and a standard crew cab bed (5' long) holds 1.5 cubic yards. These measurements assume the bed is filled level with the top of the bed rails.
Truck Bed Capacity Comparison
| Truck Bed Type | Length | Cubic Yards |
|---|---|---|
| Short Bed | 6 feet | 2 cubic yards |
| Long Bed | 8 feet | 3 cubic yards |
| Crew Cab Bed | 5 feet | 1.5 cubic yards |
Material Weight Considerations
Material weight varies significantly by type. A cubic yard of mulch weighs 400-800 pounds, topsoil weighs 2,000-2,200 pounds, and gravel weighs 2,700-3,000 pounds. Always check your truck's payload capacity before loading heavy materials.
Visual Estimation Guide
One cubic yard equals a 3' × 3' × 3' cube. For reference, a standard wheelbarrow holds 0.1-0.2 cubic yards, so a short bed truck would hold about 10-20 wheelbarrow loads when full.