Area plus depth converter
Square Feet to Cubic Yards Calculator
Enter square feet and depth to calculate cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters, weight, tons, and overage for common bulk materials.
Convert Square Feet to Cubic Yards
How to Convert Sq Ft to Cubic Yards
Square feet measures area. Cubic yards measures volume, so depth is required. Convert depth to feet, multiply by the area, then divide by 27.
Formula Explanation
The formula is square feet x depth in feet / 27 = cubic yards. A 600 square foot area at 2 inches deep is 600 x 0.167 / 27 = 3.70 cubic yards.
Common Project Examples
| Area and depth | Cubic yards |
|---|---|
| 100 sq ft at 4 in | 1.23 |
| 500 sq ft at 3 in | 4.63 |
| 1,000 sq ft at 2 in | 6.17 |
FAQ
Multiply square feet by depth in feet, then divide by 27. Convert inches to feet before calculating.
Three inches is 0.25 feet. 1,000 x 0.25 / 27 = 9.26 cubic yards before overage.
No. You also need depth or thickness because cubic yards measure volume.
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.
Yes. Enter the area, planned depth, and gravel material to estimate cubic yards and tons.
Yes, 10 percent extra is a useful planning amount. It helps cover compaction, waste, and uneven ground.
There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard. The calculator converts that automatically.