Square Feet to Cubic Yards (ft² to yd³)
Convert square feet to cubic yards instantly with this free online calculator. Enter length, width, and depth in inches to calculate volume for concrete, mulch, soil, and more.
About This Calculator
Our square feet to cubic yards (ft² to yd³) calculator is a powerful tool for contractors, landscapers, DIY enthusiasts, and homeowners who need to convert area measurements to volume. Whether you're ordering concrete for a patio, mulch for garden beds, topsoil for a lawn, or gravel for a driveway, this calculator gives you the exact volume in cubic yards.
The conversion formula is straightforward: first calculate the area in square feet by multiplying length by width. Then multiply by the depth (converted from inches to feet by dividing by 12) to get cubic feet. Finally, divide by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet) to get cubic yards. The calculator handles all these steps automatically.
For example, a 10 ft × 10 ft area with 4 inches of concrete: area = 100 sq ft, volume in cubic feet = 100 × (4/12) = 33.33 cu ft, and volume in cubic yards = 33.33 / 27 = 1.23 cu yd. This means you'd need approximately 1.25 cubic yards of concrete for your project.
Regional Notes
United States: Cubic yards are the standard unit for ordering bulk materials like concrete, mulch, topsoil, gravel, and sand. Concrete is typically ordered by the cubic yard, and most landscaping materials are priced per cubic yard.
United Kingdom: While the UK officially uses metric units, cubic yards are still commonly used in construction, landscaping, and excavation. Many suppliers offer pricing in both cubic meters and cubic yards. 1 cubic yard ≈ 0.7646 cubic meters.
India: Cubic meters (m³) are the standard in India for construction and landscaping. To convert our results to cubic meters, multiply cubic yards by 0.7646 or cubic feet by 0.0283. This calculator helps with the initial imperial measurement conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?
To convert square feet to cubic yards, multiply the area in square feet by the depth in feet, then divide by 27. For example, a 100 sq ft area at 4 inches deep: 100 × (4/12) = 33.33 cubic feet, then 33.33 / 27 = 1.23 cubic yards.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard. This is because 1 yard equals 3 feet, and 3³ = 27. This conversion factor is essential when switching between cubic feet and cubic yards for construction materials.
How many square feet does a cubic yard cover at 4 inches?
One cubic yard covers approximately 81 square feet at 4 inches deep. At 3 inches deep, it covers 108 square feet. At 6 inches deep, it covers 54 square feet. The coverage area depends entirely on the depth of the material.
What is the formula for converting sq ft to cubic yards?
The formula is: Volume (yd³) = (Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) / 12) / 27. First find the area in square feet by multiplying length by width. Then multiply by depth (converted from inches to feet by dividing by 12). Finally divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards.
Can I use this calculator for concrete and mulch?
Yes, this calculator works for estimating concrete volume, mulch, topsoil, gravel, and any other material sold by cubic yard. Simply enter the length and width of the area in feet and the desired depth in inches to get the volume in cubic yards.
How many bags of concrete do I need per cubic yard?
A 60 lb bag of concrete yields about 0.45 cubic feet. Since there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, you would need about 60 bags (27 / 0.45 = 60) of 60 lb concrete mix per cubic yard. For 80 lb bags (0.6 cu ft each), you would need about 45 bags.
How deep should I lay mulch or topsoil?
For landscaping, a depth of 2-3 inches is recommended for mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture. For garden beds and vegetable patches, 4-6 inches of topsoil is ideal. For concrete slabs, typical depths are 4 inches for patios and walkways, and 6 inches for driveways.
What's the difference between square feet and cubic yards?
Square feet (ft²) measure area — a two-dimensional surface like a floor or wall. Cubic yards (yd³) measure volume — a three-dimensional space that includes depth. You need both area and depth to convert from square feet to cubic yards, which is why this calculator asks for all three dimensions.