David Chen, P.E. (Professional Engineer)
This calculator relies on standard civil engineering and construction volume conversion formulas to ensure high accuracy for material estimation.
Use the most accurate tool for construction and landscaping projects. This calculator quickly converts the area of your project (in square feet) and the required depth (in inches) into the total material volume needed, measured in cubic yards (CY).
Square Feet to Cubic Yards Calculator
Calculation Breakdown
Steps will appear here after calculation.
Square Feet to Cubic Yards Formula
Volume (CY) = [ Area (sq ft) × Depth (ft) ] / 27
Where: Depth (ft) = Depth (inches) / 12
Formula Source: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) | DOT Volume Calculation Guide
Variables
- Area in Square Feet ($\text{Area}_{\text{sqft}}$): The total surface area of the project space, calculated by measuring length times width (e.g., $10 \text{ ft} \times 20 \text{ ft} = 200 \text{ sq ft}$).
- Depth/Thickness in Inches ($\text{Depth}_{\text{in}}$): The required thickness of the material (gravel, concrete, mulch, etc.) measured in inches. This is converted to feet by dividing by 12.
- 27: The conversion factor, as there are $27$ cubic feet in one cubic yard ($3 \text{ ft} \times 3 \text{ ft} \times 3 \text{ ft} = 27 \text{ cu ft}$).
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What is Square Feet to Cubic Yards Conversion?
The conversion from square feet (a 2D area) to cubic yards (a 3D volume) is essential for any construction, landscaping, or DIY project involving bulk materials. Whether you are ordering concrete for a patio, gravel for a driveway, or mulch for a garden bed, these materials are typically sold and delivered by the cubic yard.
Since the square footage of your project only defines the footprint, you must incorporate the desired depth to calculate the total volume. Failing to convert correctly can lead to costly over-ordering or frustrating delays due to under-ordering materials. This calculator automates the unit conversions and volume calculation, ensuring accuracy based on industry standards.
How to Calculate Square Feet to Cubic Yards (Example)
- Measure Area: Determine the area of your project. For example, a backyard section measuring $15 \text{ ft}$ by $10 \text{ ft}$ is $150 \text{ sq ft}$.
- Determine Depth: Decide on the required thickness of the material. For example, $6 \text{ inches}$ of gravel for a base layer.
- Convert Depth to Feet: Divide the depth in inches by 12: $6 / 12 = 0.5 \text{ feet}$.
- Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet: Multiply the square footage by the depth in feet: $150 \text{ sq ft} \times 0.5 \text{ ft} = 75 \text{ cubic feet}$.
- Convert to Cubic Yards: Divide the volume in cubic feet by the conversion factor 27: $75 / 27 \approx 2.78 \text{ cubic yards}$.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a cubic yard a lot of material?
A cubic yard ($3 \text{ ft} \times 3 \text{ ft} \times 3 \text{ ft}$) is generally considered a significant quantity. It is the standard unit for large deliveries of materials like gravel, concrete, and soil, and it weighs approximately 2,000 to 3,000 pounds, depending on the material’s density.
Why do I have to use inches and then convert to feet?
Most material specifications (especially for mulch, gravel, and concrete) are given in inches, while the final volume calculation requires all dimensions to be in the same unit (feet) before converting to cubic yards. The calculator handles the division by 12 (inches to feet) automatically.
What is the conversion factor?
The conversion factor is 27 because there are $27 \text{ cubic feet}$ in one $\text{cubic yard}$. This comes from the product of $3 \text{ feet} \times 3 \text{ feet} \times 3 \text{ feet}$.
How accurate is this calculator for concrete?
The calculator provides an accurate volumetric estimate. For concrete, always add a minimum 5-10% buffer to the final cubic yard total to account for spillage, settling, and uneven bases.