Square Feet and Cubic Yards
If you want to convert between square feet and cubic yards, our square feet to cubic yards calculator is the only tool you need. Simply enter the area in square feet (or select another area unit) and the height/depth, and you will calculate the volume in cubic yards in no time.
To calculate volume in cubic yards directly from base dimensions (length, width, and height), use our cubic yard calculator.
What Are Square Feet and Cubic Yards?
Square feet (ft²) is a unit of area — it measures a flat, two-dimensional surface.
Cubic yards (yd³) is a unit of volume — it measures a three-dimensional space.
In construction and landscaping, we often need to calculate volumes for materials such as soil, mulch, concrete, gravel, and sand — and the standard unit in the US is the cubic yard.
How to Convert Square Feet to Cubic Yards
The conversion from square feet to cubic yards requires knowing the depth or thickness of the material layer. The formula is:
Volume (yd³) = Volume (ft³) ÷ 27
The key relationship is: 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet (since 1 yard = 3 feet, so 1 yd³ = 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 ft³).
Worked Example
Consider a rectangular flower bed that is 9 feet long and 6 feet wide, which you want to fill with mulch to a depth of 6 inches (0.5 ft):
- Area = 9 ft × 6 ft = 54 ft²
- Volume (ft³) = 54 ft² × 0.5 ft = 27 ft³
- Volume (yd³) = 27 ft³ ÷ 27 = 1 yd³
You would need exactly 1 cubic yard of mulch for this project.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the area — type the surface area and select the unit (sq ft, sq in, sq yd, or sq m).
- Enter the depth — type the thickness or depth and select the unit (inches, feet, yards, meters, or centimeters).
- Optional: Add cost calculation — check the box, enter the price per cubic yard, and choose your currency (USD, RUB, EUR, GBP, and 16 more).
- Click Calculate — the result shows volume in cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters, and liters.
Unit Systems Supported
US Imperial System
| Area Unit | Conversion to ft² |
|---|---|
| Square feet (ft²) | × 1 |
| Square inches (in²) | ÷ 144 |
| Square yards (yd²) | × 9 |
| Depth Unit | Conversion to feet |
|---|---|
| Inches (in) | ÷ 12 |
| Feet (ft) | × 1 |
| Yards (yd) | × 3 |
Metric System
| Area Unit | Conversion to ft² |
|---|---|
| Square meters (m²) | × 10.7639 |
| Depth Unit | Conversion to feet |
|---|---|
| Meters (m) | × 3.28084 |
| Centimeters (cm) | ÷ 30.48 |
Useful Conversion Reference
| Area (ft²) | Depth 3 in (0.25 ft) | Depth 4 in (0.33 ft) | Depth 6 in (0.5 ft) | Depth 1 ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 ft² | 0.25 yd³ | 0.33 yd³ | 0.5 yd³ | 1.0 yd³ |
| 54 ft² | 0.5 yd³ | 0.67 yd³ | 1.0 yd³ | 2.0 yd³ |
| 81 ft² | 0.75 yd³ | 1.0 yd³ | 1.5 yd³ | 3.0 yd³ |
| 108 ft² | 1.0 yd³ | 1.33 yd³ | 2.0 yd³ | 4.0 yd³ |
| 270 ft² | 2.5 yd³ | 3.33 yd³ | 5.0 yd³ | 10.0 yd³ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards is 100 square feet at 4 inches deep?
Volume = 100 ft² × (4 ÷ 12) ft = 100 × 0.333 = 33.33 ft³ → 33.33 ÷ 27 = 1.235 yd³.
How do I convert square feet to cubic yards without depth?
You cannot — to get a volume you always need three dimensions (or area × depth). Square feet alone describe only a flat surface, not a volume.
What is 1 cubic yard in square feet at 3 inches deep?
1 yd³ = 27 ft³. At 3 inches (0.25 ft) depth: Area = 27 ft³ ÷ 0.25 ft = 108 ft².
Why is cubic yards the standard for construction materials?
In the US, concrete, gravel, topsoil, sand, and mulch are traditionally ordered and priced by the cubic yard. One cubic yard fits neatly in a standard pickup truck bed.
What is 1 cubic yard in metric units?
1 cubic yard ≈ 0.7646 m³ ≈ 764.6 liters.
How much does a cubic yard of material cost?
Prices vary widely by material and region. Use the optional cost section in our calculator — enter your local price per cubic yard and choose from 20 currencies (USD, RUB, EUR, GBP, and more) to get an instant cost estimate.