Square Feet to Cubic Yards Formula:
Definition: This calculator converts an area measurement in square feet to a volume measurement in cubic yards, given a thickness/depth.
Purpose: It helps with material estimation for projects like concrete pours, mulch coverage, or soil filling where you know the area and need to determine volume.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The area in square feet is multiplied by the thickness in feet, then divided by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet) to get the volume in cubic yards.
Details: Converting area to volume is essential when ordering materials sold by volume (like concrete, mulch, or gravel) but where your project measurements are in area.
Tips: Enter the area in square feet and thickness (either in inches or feet). The calculator converts thickness to feet if needed, then computes the volume in cubic yards, rounded to 3 decimal places.
Q1: Why divide by 27?
A: There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard (3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet = 27 cubic feet).
Q2: How do I measure thickness?
A: For concrete slabs, this is your desired slab thickness. For mulch or soil, this is how deep you want the material.
Q3: What if my thickness is in inches?
A: The calculator automatically converts inches to feet (divide by 12) before calculating.
Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's mathematically precise for the given inputs. Actual material needs may vary based on compaction, waste, or irregular shapes.
Q5: Should I add extra for waste?
A: For materials like concrete, add 5-10% to your final volume to account for spillage or over-excavation.