Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards Calculator & Formula

This calculator converts a volume measured in cubic feet (ft³) to cubic yards (yd³). You enter the number of cubic feet, and you get the equivalent volume in cubic yards instantly, along with the exact conversion factor used. It is the quickest way to answer the common question: “How many cubic yards is this pile of dirt, concrete, or mulch?”

Formula

The conversion is based on the fact that 1 yard equals 3 feet. A cubic yard is a cube with sides of 1 yard (3 feet) each, so its volume is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet. Therefore:

Cubic yards = Cubic feet ÷ 27

Where:

• Cubic feet (ft³) – the volume you start with, measured in feet cubed.
• Cubic yards (yd³) – the resulting volume, measured in yards cubed.
• 27 – the number of cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 × 3 × 3).

Worked Example

Using the default value of 27 cubic feet:

1. Start with the volume: 27 ft³.
2. Divide by the conversion factor: 27 ÷ 27 = 1.
3. The result is 1 cubic yard.

So 27 cubic feet equals exactly 1 cubic yard. The calculator shows 1.00 yd³, matching this result.

Why Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards?

In the United States, many bulk materials are sold by the cubic yard. When you order topsoil, gravel, sand, or concrete, the supplier typically quotes a price per cubic yard. However, your measurements—like the length, width, and depth of a garden bed or a trench—are often in feet. After multiplying those dimensions, you get a volume in cubic feet, which you then need to convert to cubic yards to know how much to order. This conversion is also essential for estimating debris removal, calculating landfill fees, or understanding the capacity of a dumpster (often measured in cubic yards).

How to Measure for a Cubic Yard Order

To get an accurate cubic yard estimate, follow these steps:

• Measure the length, width, and depth of the space in feet. Use the same unit for all three dimensions.
• Multiply the three numbers together to get the volume in cubic feet.
• Divide that total by 27 to get cubic yards.
• If you are ordering material like soil or mulch, add 5–10% extra to account for settling and compaction.

For example, a flower bed that is 10 ft long, 4 ft wide, and 0.5 ft deep has a volume of 10 × 4 × 0.5 = 20 ft³. Dividing by 27 gives about 0.74 yd³, so you would order roughly 0.8 cubic yards.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent error is mixing up units. If you measure one dimension in inches and another in feet, your result will be wrong. Always convert all measurements to feet first (divide inches by 12). Another common mistake is confusing cubic yards with square yards. Square yards measure area (length × width), while cubic yards measure volume (length × width × height). For example, a 10 ft × 10 ft area is 100 square feet, but if you need 6 inches of soil, the volume is 100 × 0.5 = 50 ft³, or about 1.85 yd³. Finally, rounding too early can throw off your order. Keep at least two decimal places until the final step.

Limits of the Formula

This conversion is exact and universally applicable for any volume, regardless of the shape of the object. The formula only requires that you know the volume in cubic feet. It does not account for irregular shapes, compaction, or waste. For materials like gravel or soil, the actual amount delivered may differ slightly due to settling during transport. For concrete, you should always order slightly more than the calculated volume to account for spillage and uneven subgrades. The calculator gives a precise mathematical conversion, but real-world conditions may require a small adjustment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?

There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard. This is because 1 yard = 3 feet, and 3 × 3 × 3 = 27.

How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?

You cannot directly convert square feet to cubic yards because square feet measure area (2D) and cubic yards measure volume (3D). You need a third dimension—depth or height—to get a volume. Multiply the area in square feet by the depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27.

What does 1 cubic yard of soil weigh?

The weight varies by material. A cubic yard of dry topsoil typically weighs about 1,000 to 1,200 pounds (450–540 kg). Wet soil or clay can be heavier, around 1,500 pounds (680 kg) or more. Always check with your supplier for accurate weight.

How many 40-pound bags of topsoil equal a cubic yard?

It depends on the density of the soil. A 40-pound bag of topsoil usually contains about 0.5 cubic feet, so you would need 54 bags to make 27 cubic feet (1 cubic yard). However, bag sizes and densities vary, so check the label.

Is a cubic yard the same as a ton?

No. A cubic yard is a measure of volume, while a ton is a measure of weight. The relationship depends on the material’s density. For example, 1 cubic yard of sand might weigh about 1.5 tons, while 1 cubic yard of mulch might weigh only 0.5 tons. Always use weight for shipping and volume for ordering.

Can I use this calculator for concrete?

Yes, the volume conversion is the same. If you have a concrete slab that is 10 ft × 10 ft × 0.33 ft (4 inches thick), the volume is 33 ft³, which is about 1.22 yd³. However, concrete is usually ordered by the cubic yard, and you should add 5–10% extra for waste.

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in ft3 | Cubic feet | ft³ | 27 | 0
out yd3 | Cubic yards | yd³ | ft3 / 27 | 2