The formula
Cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27
Depth must be in feet, so divide inches by 12 first. A 200 sq ft area filled 4 inches deep is 200 × (4 ÷ 12) = 66.7 cubic feet, and 66.7 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards.
Why you cannot convert square feet straight to cubic yards
A square foot is a flat patch of ground and a cubic yard is a block. Two jobs with the same 200 sq ft area need very different amounts of material if one is 2 inches deep and the other is 6 inches deep. Without a depth there is no single answer, which is why this calculator asks for it.
Cubic yards for 100 sq ft, by depth
| Depth | Cubic feet | Cubic yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 8.3 | 0.31 |
| 2 in | 16.7 | 0.62 |
| 3 in | 25.0 | 0.93 |
| 4 in | 33.3 | 1.23 |
| 6 in | 50.0 | 1.85 |
| 8 in | 66.7 | 2.47 |
| 12 in | 100.0 | 3.70 |
Scale the last column for your area: 400 sq ft is four times the 100 sq ft figure. The cubic yard calculator also accepts length and width in feet, yards or meters.
Need weight as well? Convert the result with the tons to cubic yards calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?
Multiply the area in square feet by the depth in feet, then divide by 27. For 200 sq ft at 4 inches deep that is 200 × 0.333 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards.
How many cubic yards is 1,000 square feet?
It depends on depth. At 3 inches deep, 1,000 sq ft is 250 cubic feet, or 9.26 cubic yards. At 6 inches it is 18.52 cubic yards.
How many square feet does one cubic yard cover?
One cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches and 54 sq ft at 6 inches.
Sources
Reference charts
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