Square Feet to Cubic Yards Converter

Materials are ordered by the cubic yard, but projects are measured in square feet and inches of depth. Enter the area and depth to get the exact cubic yards (and cubic feet) for concrete, topsoil, mulch, gravel or sand.

Results

Formula

Area times depth is volume; then convert units:
Cubic feet = Area (ft²) × Depth (in) ÷ 12  ·  Cubic yards = Cubic feet ÷ 27

How to use this calculator

  1. Measure the area in square feet (length × width for rectangles; add up sections for irregular shapes).
  2. Enter the depth in inches (4 is typical for driveways and mulch beds).
  3. Press Calculate for the order quantity — then consider the overage note below.
Square Feet to Cubic Yards Converter — how the calculation works, illustratedlength
Square Feet to Cubic Yards Converter — how the calculation works, illustrated

Worked example

A 100 ft² patio base at 4 inches deep.

  1. Cubic feet: 100 × 4 ÷ 12 ≈ 33.33.
  2. Cubic yards: 33.33 ÷ 27 ≈ 1.235.

Result: You need about 1.24 cubic yards before any overage allowance.

Frequently asked questions

How much extra should I order?

Common practice is 5–10% extra for concrete (spillage, uneven grade) and more for loose materials like mulch that compact down. This calculator reports the exact geometric volume so the choice of allowance stays yours.

Why 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard?

A yard is 3 feet, and volume scales with the cube: 3 × 3 × 3 = 27. The same cubing is why small depth changes make big differences in yardage.

How many 60-lb bags of concrete make a yard?

A 60-lb bag yields about 0.45 cubic feet, so a cubic yard takes roughly 60 bags — which is why anything over a yard or two is usually cheaper by the truck.

Related calculators

Conversion

Area Converter

Convert area between square feet, square meters, square yards, square inches, acres, hectares, square kilometers and square miles with exact factors.

Conversion

Length Converter

Convert length and distance between millimeters, centimeters, meters, kilometers, inches, feet, yards and miles with exact standard factors.

Math

Tank Volume Calculator

Calculate the capacity of a cylindrical, rectangular or spherical tank in gallons, liters and cubic feet from its dimensions in inches.

Math

Surface Area Calculator

Calculate the surface area of a cube, rectangular prism, cylinder, sphere or cone from its dimensions.