Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards Converter
Convert cubic feet (ft³) to cubic yards (yd³) for construction, landscaping, and material estimation.
Because 1 yard = 3 feet, and 3³ = 27
Conversion Result
📐 Conversion Formulas
Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards:
Why 27?
Since 1 yard = 3 feet, a cubic yard is a cube measuring 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet. This is an exact mathematical relationship, not an approximation.
📝 Step-by-Step Calculation
Enter a value and convert to see the step-by-step breakdown.
Construction Use Cases
Cubic yards are the standard unit for ordering bulk construction and landscaping materials. Here's when you'll use this conversion:
Concrete
Concrete is sold by the cubic yard. Calculate your form's cubic feet, then divide by 27.
Soil & Compost
Garden beds and raised planters need soil measured in cubic yards for delivery.
Gravel & Stone
Driveways, pathways, and drainage projects use gravel sold by the yard.
Mulch
Landscape mulch is typically sold in cubic yards for bulk orders.
Understanding Cubic Feet and Cubic Yards
What Is a Cubic Foot?
A cubic foot (ft³) is the volume of a cube measuring 1 foot (12 inches) on each side. It equals 1,728 cubic inches or about 28.3 liters. Cubic feet are commonly used for measuring indoor spaces, refrigerators, and smaller quantities of materials.
What Is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard (yd³) is the volume of a cube measuring 1 yard (3 feet) on each side. One cubic yard equals exactly 27 cubic feet. It's the standard unit for bulk materials in construction and landscaping because it's a practical size for truck deliveries.
Visualizing a Cubic Yard
A cubic yard is roughly the size of:
- A washing machine
- A standard 3×3×3 foot cube
- About 202 gallons of water
- 9-13 wheelbarrow loads (depending on wheelbarrow size)
How to Calculate Cubic Yards
To find how many cubic yards you need:
- Measure length, width, and depth in feet
- Multiply to get cubic feet (L × W × D)
- Divide by 27 to get cubic yards
Quick Reference Table
Common cubic feet to cubic yards conversions:
| Cubic Feet (ft³) | Cubic Yards (yd³) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.037 | — |
| 13.5 | 0.5 | Half yard mulch |
| 27 | 1 | One yard delivery |
| 54 | 2 | Small driveway patch |
| 81 | 3 | Medium garden bed |
| 135 | 5 | Large landscaping project |
| 270 | 10 | Standard dump truck load |
| 540 | 20 | Large concrete pour |
Frequently Asked Questions
There are exactly 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard. This is because 1 yard = 3 feet, and 3 × 3 × 3 = 27.
Since 1 yard equals exactly 3 feet, a cubic yard is a 3×3×3 foot cube. When you cube 3, you get 27. This relationship is mathematically exact, not an approximation.
Divide the cubic feet by 27. For example: 54 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 2 cubic yards.
A cubic yard of concrete covers about 81 square feet at 4 inches thick, or 54 square feet at 6 inches thick. Concrete weighs about 4,000 lbs per cubic yard.
A standard dump truck holds 10-14 cubic yards. A small pickup truck bed holds about 1-2 cubic yards, while a large tandem truck can hold 14-18 cubic yards.
Measure the area in square feet and the desired depth in inches. Multiply: (sq ft × depth in inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards. For example: 500 sq ft at 3" deep = 500 × 3 ÷ 324 = 4.6 cubic yards.