Enter square feet and depth to calculate cubic yards, weight in tons, and overage for common bulk materials.
By the Cubic Yard Calculator team · Last updated October 2026
Quick answer: Cubic yards = square feet × depth in feet / 27. For example, 1,000 sq ft at 3 inches deep = (1,000 × 0.25) / 27 = 9.26 cubic yards. Convert inches to feet first: divide inches by 12.
Ballpark, not gospel. Area alone can't become volume — pick the depth that matches your project and confirm with your supplier before ordering.
Cubic yards needed per 100 square feet at common depths. Scale up by area — for 500 sq ft, multiply by 5.
| Depth | Per 100 sq ft | Per 500 sq ft | Per 1,000 sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 0.31 | 1.54 | 3.09 |
| 2 inches | 0.62 | 3.09 | 6.17 |
| 3 inches | 0.93 | 4.63 | 9.26 |
| 4 inches | 1.23 | 6.17 | 12.35 |
| 6 inches | 1.85 | 9.26 | 18.52 |
| 8 inches | 2.47 | 12.35 | 24.69 |
| 12 inches | 3.70 | 18.52 | 37.04 |
Cubic yards needed for common areas at typical depths. The formula: area × (depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27. For example, a 10×10 slab at 4 inches deep: 100 × (4 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 1.235 cubic yards.
| Project size | 3 inches deep | 4 inches deep | 6 inches deep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | 0.926 | 1.235 | 1.852 |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | 1.333 | 1.778 | 2.667 |
| 20 × 20 ft (400 sq ft) | 3.704 | 4.938 | 7.407 |
Straight answers, no fluff. Then run your own numbers above.
Multiply square feet by depth in feet, then divide by 27. Convert inches to feet before calculating.
No. You also need depth or thickness because cubic yards measure volume.
Three inches is 0.25 feet. 1,000 × 0.25 / 27 = 9.26 cubic yards before overage.
Multiply square yards by depth in yards. One square yard at 1 yard deep is 1 cubic yard. For inches, divide by 36 first (36 inches = 1 yard).
Use 2 to 3 inches for most mulch projects. Use 4 inches only when the bed needs a heavier layer.
Many patios and sidewalks use 4 inches. Driveways and heavier slabs may need 5 to 6 inches or more.
Have L×W instead of area? The cubic yard calculator takes dimensions directly — or go straight to concrete, mulch or gravel.