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Dumpster Size Calculator

Last updated: 31 Aug 2025 | Author: Brij | Review By: Irshad
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Use our Dumpster Size Calculator to find the right dumpster for your cleanup or construction project. Calculate waste volume in cubic yards and get the best dumpster size recommendation instantly.

Dumpster Size Calculation
ft³
yd³
yards³
Dumpster Size Guide
10-yard: Up to 270 ft³
Small cleanouts, minor renovations
20-yard: 270-540 ft³
Medium renovations, roof tear-off
30-yard: 540-810 ft³
Large renovations, new construction
40-yard: 810-1080 ft³
Major construction, commercial projects

When planning a cleanup, renovation, or construction project, estimating the right dumpster size is essential to avoid overspending or running out of space. A Dumpster Size Calculator helps you calculate the waste volume and suggests the ideal dumpster size for your needs.

This tool is especially useful for homeowners, contractors, and businesses looking to dispose of waste efficiently.

Formula for Waste Volume

The basic formula to calculate the volume of waste is:

Volume (ft³)=Length (ft)×Width (ft)×Height (ft)\text{Volume (ft³)} = \text{Length (ft)} \times \text{Width (ft)} \times \text{Height (ft)}Volume (ft³)=Length (ft)×Width (ft)×Height (ft)

Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards

Since dumpsters are measured in cubic yards, we need to convert cubic feet into cubic yards.

Volume (yd³)=Volume (ft³)27\text{Volume (yd³)} = \frac{\text{Volume (ft³)}}{27}Volume (yd³)=27Volume (ft³)​

(Note: 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet)

Recommended Dumpster Size

After calculating the volume in cubic yards, you can match it to the nearest standard dumpster size:

  • 10-yard dumpster – Small cleanouts, garage junk
  • 20-yard dumpster – Medium renovations, roofing
  • 30-yard dumpster – Large home projects, construction debris
  • 40-yard dumpster – Commercial cleanouts, major construction

Example Calculation

Suppose you are estimating waste with the following dimensions:

  • Length = 12 ft
  • Width = 8 ft
  • Height = 5 ft

Step 1: Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet

Volume (ft³)=12×8×5=480 ft³\text{Volume (ft³)} = 12 \times 8 \times 5 = 480 \, \text{ft³}Volume (ft³)=12×8×5=480ft³

Step 2: Convert to Cubic Yards

Volume (yd³)=48027≈17.78 yd³\text{Volume (yd³)} = \frac{480}{27} \approx 17.78 \, \text{yd³}Volume (yd³)=27480​≈17.78yd³

Step 3: Recommend Dumpster Size

Since the waste volume is about 18 cubic yards, the recommended dumpster would be:

✅ 20-yard Dumpster

Dumpster Size Calculator

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Dumpster Size Calculator

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