square feet to cubic yards calculator
Convert square feet to cubic yards by adding a depth. Enter your area and how deep the material goes, and get the cubic yards to order.
Square feet and cubic yards measure different things — area versus volume — so you can’t convert one to the other without a depth. This calculator bridges the gap: tell it your area and how deep the material sits, and it returns the cubic yards to order.
How this calculator works
Multiply the area by the depth to get a volume in cubic feet, then divide by 27 to reach cubic yards.
Formula: Cubic yards = area (sq ft) × (depth in ÷ 12) ÷ 27.
Worked example
100 square feet of material at a 4-inch depth:
- Depth in feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
- Cubic feet: 100 × 0.333 ≈ 33.33 ft³
- Cubic yards: 33.33 ÷ 27 ≈ 1.235 yd³
Reference (per 100 sq ft)
| Depth | Cubic yards |
|---|---|
| 2 in | 0.62 yd³ |
| 4 in | 1.24 yd³ |
| 6 in | 1.85 yd³ |
Where this conversion is used
Every bulk-material order starts here: your plan gives an area, but gravel, concrete, mulch, and topsoil are sold by the cubic yard. For a material-specific estimate with tons and cost, jump to the Cubic Yard Calculator or Gravel Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Can you convert square feet to cubic yards directly?
No — square feet measures area and cubic yards measures volume, so you have to supply a depth. Once you know how deep the material goes, the calculator multiplies area by depth and divides by 27 to get cubic yards.
Why divide by 27?
A cubic yard is 3 feet on every side, and 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 cubic feet. So once you have your volume in cubic feet, dividing by 27 converts it to the cubic yards suppliers deliver in.
What depth should I use?
It depends on the job: gravel driveways use 4-6 inches, mulch beds 2-3 inches, a concrete slab 4 inches. Enter the finished depth of the material, in inches, and the calculator handles the inch-to-foot conversion.
Is the result the amount to order?
It's the exact geometric volume. Order a little extra — 5-10% — to cover compaction, spillage, and uneven ground. Running short means a second delivery fee.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.