Sq Ft to Cubic Yards Calculator

Last updated June 16, 2026 by our expert review team

Square Feet to Cubic Yards

To convert square feet to cubic yards, multiply the area by the depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. Square feet alone is an area, so you cannot convert it to a volume without a depth.

Conversion	Factor	Use
1 cubic yard	27 ft³	Volume held by one cubic yard
1 ft³	0.03704 yd³	Cubic feet to cubic yards
1 cubic yard	0.7646 m³	Metric volume equivalent
Area only	no yd³	You must add a depth to get a volume

Metric factor follows NIST customary-to-metric conversion guidance. Suppliers may round for ordering.

Expert Contributors

Creator

Cherry Jane Limbago

Licensed Civil Engineer & Master Plumber

Cherry Jane Limbago

Licensed Civil Engineer & Master Plumber

Licensed civil engineer and master plumber with 10+ years in structural design, estimation, and project management. Currently Project Engineer at Universal Robina Corporation.

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Expert Review

Hawkin

Certified Cost & Estimating Professional

Hawkin

Certified Cost & Estimating Professional

AACE-certified estimator working with 20+ insulation companies including the two largest franchises in America.

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Updated June 2026

How we verify our calculators

Square Feet to Cubic Yards by Depth

Depth	100 sq ft	500 sq ft	Coverage / yd³
2 in	0.62 yd³	3.09 yd³	162 sq ft / yd³
3 in	0.93 yd³	4.63 yd³	108 sq ft / yd³
4 in	1.23 yd³	6.17 yd³	81 sq ft / yd³
6 in	1.85 yd³	9.26 yd³	54 sq ft / yd³

Volumes assume level grade and no waste, compaction, or settling allowance.

Methodology

How the Sq Ft to Cubic Yards Calculator Works

Square feet measure area and cubic yards measure volume, so the conversion needs a depth. The calculator converts the area to square feet, converts depth to feet, multiplies area × depth for cubic feet, then divides by 27 for cubic yards.

Shortcut: if your area is in square feet and depth is in inches, just use (sq ft × depth in inches) ÷ 324 — it folds the inch-to-foot and ÷27 steps into one. For concrete context, NRMCA CIP 31 notes ready-mix is ordered by the cubic yard under ASTM C94/C94M.

Formulas

Volume (ft³) = area (ft²) × depth (ft)

Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27

Shortcut = (sq ft × depth in inches) ÷ 324

Quick Reference

1 yd³: 27 ft³
100 sq ft @ 2 in: 0.62 yd³
100 sq ft @ 4 in: 1.23 yd³
100 sq ft @ 6 in: 1.85 yd³
1 yd³ @ 4 in: 81 sq ft

Square feet to cubic yards: add a depth to get cubic feet, then divide by 27, or use the shortcut square feet times inches divided by 324. — Add a depth → cubic feet → ÷ 27. Shortcut: sq ft × depth-in-inches ÷ 324.

Square Feet to Cubic Yards Examples

Mulch Bed

300 sq ft at 3 in

2.78 yd³75 ft³2.124 m³

Mulch settles, so use the mulch calculator to add a settling allowance before ordering.

Gravel Pad

200 sq ft at 6 in

3.70 yd³100 ft³2.832 m³

For gravel, convert the cubic yards to tons with the material density before ordering bulk.

Concrete Slab

120 sq ft at 4 in

1.48 yd³40 ft³1.133 m³

Concrete is ordered by the cubic yard, but use the slab calculator for forms, rebar, and waste.

Avoid these

Mistakes That Change the Order

Converting area straight to volume

Square feet has no volume. Add a depth, then multiply before dividing by 27.

Leaving depth in inches

Convert inches to feet first. Four inches is 0.333 ft, not 4 ft.

Forgetting the divide-by-27 step

Area × depth gives cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards.

Treating cubic yards as tons

Cubic yards are volume. Tons need the material density, moisture, and type.

Sq Ft to Cubic Yards FAQs

How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?

Multiply the square footage by the depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. For example, 100 sq ft at 4 in (0.333 ft) is 33.3 cubic feet, or about 1.23 cubic yards.

Can I convert square feet to cubic yards without a depth?

No. Square feet measure area and cubic yards measure volume, so there is no direct conversion. You must add a depth (or thickness) before you can calculate a volume.

How many cubic yards is 100 square feet?

It depends entirely on depth. At 4 inches deep, 100 sq ft is about 1.23 cubic yards. Deeper layers need proportionally more material.

How many square feet does a cubic yard cover?

One cubic yard covers about 162 sq ft at 2 in, 81 sq ft at 4 in, and 54 sq ft at 6 in deep. Coverage halves as the depth doubles.

Why do I divide by 27 to get cubic yards?

A cubic yard is 3 ft on every side, so it holds 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 cubic feet. Dividing cubic feet by 27 converts the volume to cubic yards.

How many cubic yards of gravel do I need for 200 square feet?

For 200 sq ft at 6 in deep, you need about 3.70 cubic yards. Add a small allowance for compaction and order to the supplier's minimum.

Is this the same as the cubic yard calculator?

It is the area-first version. This page is for when you already know your square footage. If you only have length and width, the cubic yard calculator multiplies them for you first.

Should I add waste to this number?

This converter gives exact volume only. For materials that compact or settle (gravel, mulch, soil) or projects that waste material (concrete), use the matching material calculator to add an allowance.

Only have length and width? Use the cubic yard calculator. For a material order, move to the gravel calculator, concrete slab calculator, or mulch calculator.

Important Disclaimer

These estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, material availability, and project complexity. Always get at least 3 local quotes. This calculator does not replace professional advice.