Square Feet to Cubic Yards Calculator - Area to Volume Conversion
Convert square feet to cubic yards for landscaping, concrete, and construction projects with depth calculations and material requirements.
Square Feet to Cubic Yards Calculator
Results
What is Square Feet to Cubic Yards Calculator?
A Square Feet to Cubic Yards Calculator is an essential construction tool that converts area measurements to volume measurements. It helps you determine how much material you need for landscaping, concrete work, and other construction projects.
For accurate material planning, you might also need our Septic System Calculator for drain field sizing calculations, Size to Weight Calculator for material weight estimates, or Roof Truss Calculator for material volume calculations.
This calculator is essential for:
- Concrete Projects - Accurate volume calculations for slabs and foundations
- Landscaping - Soil, mulch, and gravel volume estimation
- Material Ordering - Precise quantities for cost-effective purchasing
- Project Planning - Budget and timeline optimization
How the Calculator Works
The conversion uses this formula:
Where:
- Area = Area in square feet
- Depth = Depth in feet (converted from inches)
- 27 = Cubic feet in one cubic yard
Key Concepts Explained
Square Feet vs Cubic Yards
Square feet measures area (length × width), while cubic yards measures volume. 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet = 3×3×3 ft cube.
Waste Factor
Always add 10-15% extra for material waste, compaction, and uneven surfaces. Complex shapes need up to 20%.
Material Weights
Concrete: 4,050 lbs/yd³. Gravel: 2,700 lbs/yd³. Topsoil: 2,200 lbs/yd³. Mulch: 400-800 lbs/yd³.
Standard Depths
Mulch: 2-3". Gravel: 3-4". Concrete slab: 4". Foundation: 6-12". Always verify local codes.
Material Coverage Reference
One cubic yard of material covers the following areas at common depths:
| Depth | Coverage (sq ft) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft | Light mulch top-up |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft | Standard mulch layer |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft | Gravel driveways, thick mulch |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft | Patio base, concrete slab |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft | Raised garden beds, foundations |
| 12 inches | 27 sq ft | Deep fill, retaining walls |
Common Project Examples
🏠 Concrete Driveway (10×20 ft, 4" thick)
Area: 200 sq ft × 4" depth = 2.47 cubic yards of concrete. Add 10% waste = ~2.7 cubic yards needed.
🌳 Mulching Garden Beds (500 sq ft, 3" deep)
Area: 500 sq ft × 3" depth = 4.63 cubic yards. At $35/yard = ~$162 in mulch.
🚗 Gravel Parking Pad (12×24 ft, 6" deep)
Area: 288 sq ft × 6" depth = 5.33 cubic yards. Add 15% for compaction = ~6.1 cubic yards.
🏡 Raised Garden Bed (4×8 ft, 12" deep)
Area: 32 sq ft × 12" depth = 1.19 cubic yards of soil/compost mix.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Area
Input the area in square feet that you need to cover
Set Depth
Enter the required depth in inches
Select Material
Choose material type for price estimation (optional)
Get Results
View cubic yards, volume, and total cost
Benefits of Using This Calculator
- • Accurate Material Ordering: Know exactly how much material to purchase.
- • Cost Savings: Avoid over-ordering expensive materials like concrete.
- • Project Planning: Better estimate project scope and budget requirements.
- • Professional Results: Ensure proper material quantities for quality work.
Factors That Affect Your Results
1. Depth Variations
Real-world surfaces aren't perfectly flat. Consider adding extra depth for uneven areas.
2. Compaction Factor
Materials like soil and gravel compact over time. Add 10-25% extra depending on material type.
3. Material Type
Different materials have different densities and settling characteristics that affect final volume.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?
A: Multiply area in square feet by depth in feet, then divide by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
Q: When would I need this conversion?
A: For landscaping, concrete work, mulch installation, soil calculations, and any project requiring volume from area measurements.
Q: What's the difference between square feet and cubic yards?
A: Square feet measures area (2D), cubic yards measures volume (3D). Area tells you coverage, volume tells you material quantity.
Q: Why divide by 27 in the conversion?
A: Because 1 cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3ft × 3ft × 3ft). This standardizes construction volume measurements.