Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards Calculator: Free Online Volume Converter
Use our free cubic feet to cubic yards calculator to convert volume measurements between these two essential construction units. Since most bulk materials (concrete, gravel, mulch, soil) are ordered in cubic yards but project measurements often start in cubic feet, this quick conversion tool saves time and eliminates math errors on the job site.
How to use this calculator.
- Enter the volume in cubic feet. Type the number of cubic feet you want to convert.
- Click calculate. The equivalent in cubic yards appears instantly.
- Reverse the conversion. Switch the input to cubic yards to convert back to cubic feet if needed.
- Use the result for ordering. Take the cubic yard value directly to your supplier for material orders.
How do you calculate cubic yard conversions from cubic feet?
The conversion between cubic feet and cubic yards is exact because one yard equals exactly three feet. Since volume scales with the cube of the length, one cubic yard contains 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 cubic feet.
Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
Cubic Feet = Cubic Yards × 27
Where:
- 27: The exact number of cubic feet in one cubic yard, based on the international yard standard (1 yd = 3 ft).
Example calculation.
Let us convert 135 cubic feet of soil to cubic yards for ordering.
Scenario: You calculated that your garden beds need 135 cubic feet of topsoil. Your local supplier sells by the cubic yard.
- Apply the formula: 135 cu ft ÷ 27 = 5 cu yd
Result: 135 cubic feet equals exactly5 cubic yards. Order 5 yards of topsoil from your supplier.
Tips from the field.
- Memorize the 27 rule for life. Every 27 cubic feet equals 1 cubic yard. This is arguably the most important conversion in all of construction and landscaping. Write it on your hard hat.
- Use your tape measure as a cubic-foot calculator.Measure in feet to get cubic feet directly, then divide by 27. This avoids the common inches-to-feet conversion mistakes that lead to over-ordering or under-ordering by a factor of 12.
- Common cubic-foot references for quick mental math.A standard pickup truck bed (8 ft × 5 ft × 1.5 ft) holds about 60 cubic feet, or roughly 2.2 cubic yards. A 10-yard dump truck holds 270 cubic feet.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides exact mathematical conversions. Actual material requirements may vary based on compaction, waste, and site conditions. PavementCalculator.com assumes no liability for material overages or shortages.
Cost, price, and density figures on this page reflect approximate U.S. averages as of August 2026 and vary by region, supplier, and material availability.
Frequently asked questions.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are exactly 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft). To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, divide by 27. Example: 54 cu ft ÷ 27 = 2 cubic yards. Our calculator handles this conversion instantly.
How do I convert 100 cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide by 27: 100 ÷ 27 = 3.70 cubic yards. For bulk materials: 100 cu ft of mulch = 3.7 cu yd. For concrete: 100 cu ft ÷ 27 = 3.7 cu yd (about 37% of a standard 10-yard truck). Use our calculator above for quick conversion.
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards for mulch?
Standard mulch bags are 2 or 3 cu ft. Convert to cubic yards: total cu ft ÷ 27. Example: 20 bags × 2 cu ft = 40 cu ft ÷ 27 = 1.48 cu yd. Bulk mulch at 1.48 yards costs ~$40-$75 vs ~$60-$100 in bags: bulk saves 30-50%.
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards for concrete?
Concrete is ordered by the cubic yard. Divide total cu ft by 27. A 30×20 ft slab at 4 inches = 200 cu ft ÷ 27 = 7.41 cu yd. Order 8 yards with 10% waste. Our calculator does this conversion for you.
How do I convert cubic feet of gravel to cubic yards?
Divide cu ft by 27. A 600 cu ft gravel driveway = 600 ÷ 27 = 22.2 cu yd. At ~1.35 tons per cu yd: 22.2 × 1.35 = 30 tons. Most quarries sell by the ton: convert between cu yd and tons for accurate ordering.
What's the difference between a cubic foot and a cubic yard?
A cubic foot is 1×1×1 ft. A cubic yard is 3×3×3 ft = 27 cubic feet. Cubic yards are the standard unit for bulk materials (concrete, gravel, topsoil). One truckload is typically 8-15 cubic yards. For small projects under 1 yard, calculate in cubic feet.
How many gallons are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard equals approximately 201.97 US gallons (27 cu ft × 7.48 gal/cu ft). Useful for water storage: a 5 cu yd cistern holds ~1,010 gallons. For soil or concrete, always use cubic yards rather than gallons for ordering.
Is the cubic feet to cubic yards conversion exact?
Yes. The conversion is mathematically exact because there are precisely 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard, based on the defined relationship of 1 yard = 3 feet. This is not an approximation.
When would I need this conversion?
You need this conversion whenever your project measurements produce cubic feet but your supplier sells by the cubic yard. This is extremely common for concrete (ordered by the yard), mulch, gravel, sand, and soil. Virtually every construction and landscaping project uses this conversion.
How do I quickly estimate cubic yards from cubic feet in my head?
Divide the cubic feet by 30 for a rough estimate (30 is close to 27 and easy to divide). For example, 100 cu ft ÷ 30 ≈ 3.3 cu yd (actual: 3.7 cu yd). For exact results, always use this calculator.