Free tool
Dumpster size calculator
Work out how many cubic yards of junk you have and which dumpster size fits it, in under a minute. No sign-up.
Pile everything up (or picture it piled up) and measure it in feet.
Your estimate
0 cubic yards
0 cubic feet
Enter length, width and height to see a size.
Size guide
Dumpster sizes at a glance
Typical sizes in Texas. Exact dimensions vary by company, so check before you book if space is tight.
| Size | Typical dimensions (L × W × H) | Pickup loads | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-yard | about 12 ft × 8 ft × 3.5 ft | about 5 | Garage or one-room cleanout, small bathroom remodel, concrete or dirt |
| 15-yard | about 14 ft × 8 ft × 4.5 ft | about 8 | Small deck removal, a few rooms of furniture |
| 20-yard | about 22 ft × 8 ft × 4.5 ft | about 10 | Kitchen remodel, flooring for a whole house, large garage cleanout |
| 30-yard | about 22 ft × 8 ft × 6 ft | about 15 | Whole-house or estate cleanout, home addition, big renovation |
| 40-yard | about 22 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft | about 20 | Major renovation, demolition, commercial cleanout |
How it works
How the calculator works
- Volume. Length × width × height in feet gives cubic feet. Dividing by 27 gives cubic yards, the unit dumpsters are sold in.
- Extra room. We add about 20%, because furniture, branches and boxes leave gaps when they're thrown in.
- Size. We pick the smallest common size (10, 15, 20, 30 or 40 yards) that holds that amount.
- Heavy loads. For concrete, dirt, brick and rock we suggest 10-yard containers filled about halfway, because weight runs out before space does.
It's an estimate. The company you rent from can confirm the right size once you describe the job.
Not sure?
Dumpster or junk removal?
A dumpster suits projects where debris builds up over several days, like a remodel, and you're happy to load it yourself. If you just want a pile of stuff gone today and don't want to lift it, a junk removal crew is usually simpler.
Compare junk removal companies or dumpster rental companies in your city.
Rent a dumpster
Dumpster rental in Texas cities
Compare local companies, call one directly, or send one free quote request.
- Dumpster rental in Dallas
- Dumpster rental in Houston
- Dumpster rental in Austin
- Dumpster rental in Plano
- Dumpster rental in Round Rock
- Dumpster rental in Cedar Park
- Dumpster rental in Frisco
- Dumpster rental in Irving
- Dumpster rental in McKinney
- Dumpster rental in Arlington
- Dumpster rental in Pasadena
- Dumpster rental in Pflugerville
FAQ
Questions about dumpster sizes
How do I calculate cubic yards?
Multiply length × width × height in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 (there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard). A pile 9 ft long, 6 ft wide and 3 ft high is 162 cubic feet, or 6 cubic yards.
Should I round up or down?
Round up. Loose junk has gaps that a tape measure doesn't see, and an overfilled dumpster can't be hauled until the extra is removed. The calculator adds about 20% for this. If you're between two sizes, the bigger one usually costs less than paying for a second haul.
Why does the calculator say 10-yard for concrete and dirt?
Concrete, dirt, brick and rock are very heavy, so a dumpster hits its weight limit long before it's full. Most companies only allow heavy material in small containers. Check the company's weight limit and what it charges per extra ton before you load.
How many pickup-truck loads is a dumpster?
A full-size pickup with an 8-foot bed, loaded level, holds about 2 cubic yards. So a 10-yard dumpster is roughly 5 pickup loads and a 20-yard is roughly 10.
Do I need a permit for a dumpster?
Not usually if it sits on your own driveway. Putting it on a street or sidewalk often needs a city permit, and HOAs can have their own rules. Ask the rental company, which usually knows the local rules.