Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards Calculator | Easy Volume Conversion Tool

Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards Calculator

Quick and accurate volume conversion for construction, landscaping, and more

Volume Converter

Select Shape:

Length (feet):

Width (feet):

Height (feet):

Material Type (for weight estimation):

Results

Volume Conversion

Cubic Feet:

Cubic Yards:

3D Visualization

How to Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards

The Formula

To convert cubic feet (ft³) to cubic yards (yd³), use the following formula:

Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27

This is because there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard:

1 yard = 3 feet
1 cubic yard = 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet = 27 cubic feet

Step-by-Step Process

Measure your dimensions in feet (length, width, height)
Calculate the volume in cubic feet by multiplying length × width × height
Divide the cubic feet result by 27 to get cubic yards

Visual Representation

Why Convert to Cubic Yards?

Most bulk materials are sold by the cubic yard, while many measurements are taken in feet. Converting to cubic yards helps you:

Order the correct amount of material
Calculate costs more accurately
Communicate effectively with suppliers
Plan transportation needs properly

Material-Specific Calculations

Concrete

Weight: ~4,050 lbs per cubic yard

Common uses: Foundations, slabs, driveways

Typical cost: $100-150 per cubic yard

Note: Add 5-10% extra to account for waste

Gravel

Weight: ~2,800 lbs per cubic yard

Common uses: Driveways, drainage, landscaping

Typical cost: $45-75 per cubic yard

Note: Depth typically 2-4 inches for driveways

Sand

Weight: ~2,700 lbs per cubic yard

Common uses: Concrete mixing, sandboxes, paver base

Typical cost: $40-60 per cubic yard

Note: Compacts over time; order extra

Soil (Topsoil)

Weight: ~2,200 lbs per cubic yard

Common uses: Gardens, lawn establishment, landscaping

Typical cost: $30-50 per cubic yard

Note: Typical depth is 4-6 inches for gardens

Mulch

Weight: ~700 lbs per cubic yard

Common uses: Garden beds, around trees, landscaping

Typical cost: $25-45 per cubic yard

Note: Apply 2-3 inches deep for most applications

Coverage Guide

One cubic yard covers:

324 sq ft at 1 inch deep
162 sq ft at 2 inches deep
108 sq ft at 3 inches deep
81 sq ft at 4 inches deep
65 sq ft at 5 inches deep
54 sq ft at 6 inches deep

Practical Examples

Landscaping Example

If you need to cover a garden bed that is 15 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 0.5 feet deep with mulch:

Calculate cubic feet: 15 ft × 6 ft × 0.5 ft = 45 cubic feet
Convert to cubic yards: 45 ft³ ÷ 27 = 1.67 cubic yards

Therefore, you would need to order approximately 1.67 cubic yards of mulch for your garden bed.

Concrete Example

For a concrete slab measuring 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 0.33 feet (4 inches) thick:

Calculate cubic feet: 20 ft × 10 ft × 0.33 ft = 66 cubic feet
Convert to cubic yards: 66 ft³ ÷ 27 = 2.44 cubic yards

You should order approximately 2.5 cubic yards of concrete for your project, accounting for potential waste.

Swimming Pool Example

For a circular above-ground swimming pool with 18 feet diameter and 4 feet depth:

Calculate cubic feet: π × (18/2)² × 4 = π × 81 × 4 = 1,017.88 cubic feet
Convert to cubic yards: 1,017.88 ft³ ÷ 27 = 37.7 cubic yards

This pool would hold approximately 37.7 cubic yards of water (about 7,635 gallons).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert cubic feet to cubic yards?

Most bulk materials for construction and landscaping (like gravel, soil, mulch, and concrete) are sold by the cubic yard, while many measurements are taken in feet. Converting to cubic yards helps you order the right amount of materials.

How accurate is this calculator?

This calculator provides exact mathematical conversions. However, for practical applications, many suppliers recommend ordering 5-10% extra material to account for settling, spillage, or measurement errors.

How do I measure irregular areas?

For irregular areas, divide the space into simple geometric shapes (rectangles, triangles, etc.), calculate the volume for each shape, and then add them together before converting to cubic yards.

What’s the difference between volume and weight calculations?

This calculator converts volume units only. Remember that different materials have different densities, so a cubic yard of gravel will weigh differently than a cubic yard of mulch. Check with your supplier for material-specific weight information.

Do I need to account for compaction?

Yes, some materials like soil and gravel will compact over time. For these materials, it’s often recommended to order 10-15% extra to account for compaction.

How much does a cubic yard weigh?

The weight varies greatly by material: concrete (4,050 lbs), gravel (2,800 lbs), sand (2,700 lbs), soil (2,200 lbs), and mulch (700 lbs) are approximate weights per cubic yard.

Related Volume Calculators

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