Square Feet to Cubic Yards Converter
Turn an area and a depth into cubic yards of mulch, soil, gravel, sand or concrete.
Calculator
Volume in cubic yards0.93 yd³
| Volume in cubic feet | 25.0 ft³ |
|---|
How it is calculated
100 ft² × 3 in ÷ 12 = 25.0 ft³. Divide by 27: 25.0 ÷ 27 = 0.93 yd³.
About this calculator
To find how many cubic yards cover an area, turn the depth into feet, multiply by the area to get cubic feet, and divide by 27. This converter does it from square feet and a depth in inches.
It works for any loose or poured material, including mulch, soil, sand, gravel and concrete. Different materials call for different depths, so pick the one that suits your job.
Worked examples
| Project | Volume in cubic yards |
|---|---|
| 100 square feet covered 3 inches deep | 0.93 yd³ |
| 500 square feet covered 3 inches deep | 4.63 yd³ |
| 1,000 square feet covered 4 inches deep | 12.35 yd³ |
| 1,000 square feet covered 2 inches deep | 6.17 yd³ |
Notes
- Add 5 to 10 percent for settling and uneven ground.
- For concrete, check the slab calculator, which adds waste and shows bag counts.
- Bulk suppliers may round deliveries to whole or half yards.
Quick answers by size
Click one for the exact answer.
How to measure and use this calculator
- Measure the area in square feet; for irregular shapes, split it into rectangles.
- Enter the depth in inches.
- Read cubic yards, and add 5 to 10 percent for settling.
- Order by cubic yard, or convert to tons with the cubic yards to tons converter.
Common mistakes
- Entering depth in feet instead of inches.
- Forgetting the extra allowance for settling and uneven ground.
- Using the same depth for different materials; mulch, gravel and soil have different recommended depths.
Tips
- Cubic feet = square feet × depth in inches ÷ 12. Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27.
- Add a small allowance (about 5 to 10 percent) for settling and uneven ground.
- For irregular areas, split the area into rectangles and add the volumes.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet does one cubic yard cover?
At 3 inches deep it covers 108 square feet. At 2 inches 162, at 4 inches 81 (27 cubic feet ÷ depth in feet).
How many cubic yards cover 1,000 square feet at 3 inches?
1,000 × 3 ÷ 12 = 250 cubic feet, and 250 ÷ 27 = 9.26 cubic yards.