cubic feet to cubic yards calculator
Convert cubic feet to cubic yards and gallons instantly. Enter a volume in cubic feet to see what a supplier's cubic-yard order should be.
Volume calculations from a project’s dimensions almost always land in cubic feet first, but concrete, gravel, and soil are ordered by the cubic yard. This calculator converts cubic feet into cubic yards and gallons in one step.
How this calculator works
A cubic yard is a 3 ft cube, so it holds 27 cubic feet — dividing your cubic feet total by 27 gives cubic yards.
Formula: Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Gallons = cubic feet × 7.48.
Worked example
100 cubic feet of material:
- Cubic yards: 100 ÷ 27 ≈ 3.704 yd³
- Gallons: 100 × 7.48 ≈ 748.1 gal
Reference
| Cubic feet | Cubic yards |
|---|---|
| 27 ft³ | 1.000 yd³ |
| 54 ft³ | 2.000 yd³ |
| 100 ft³ | 3.704 yd³ |
| 270 ft³ | 10.000 yd³ |
Where this conversion is used
Any time you’ve worked out a volume in cubic feet — a slab, footing, or excavation — this is the last step before placing a concrete or bulk-material order. For quantities computed directly in cubic feet from an area, see the Cubic Feet Calculator; for the reverse conversion, use the Cubic Yards to Cubic Feet Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
27 cubic feet. A cubic yard is a cube measuring 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft, and 3 × 3 × 3 = 27, so the conversion is always dividing by 27.
Why does this conversion matter for ordering material?
Concrete, mulch, gravel, and topsoil are almost always sold and delivered by the cubic yard, but many project calculations — a slab's length times width times depth — naturally come out in cubic feet first. This bridges the gap.
Do suppliers round up cubic yard orders?
Most concrete and bulk material suppliers sell in quarter- or half-yard increments and round your order up to the next available amount, so don't be surprised if a 3.7 yard result becomes a 4-yard order.
What's the gallon figure used for?
It converts the same volume into liquid gallons, useful for tanks, ponds, and anything measured by fluid capacity rather than delivered material.
Should I add extra for waste when ordering?
Yes — add 5-10% on top of the converted cubic yardage to cover compaction, spillage, and uneven excavation, so you don't come up short mid-pour.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.