Construction calculator
Cubic Yards to Square Feet Calculator
Estimate how many square feet a number of cubic yards will cover when you know the depth or thickness.
Coverage calculator
Cubic Yards to Square Feet
Estimate how many square feet a volume of mulch, soil, gravel, compost, or concrete covers at a selected depth.
Selected depth
3 inches
0.25 feet deep
Estimated coverage
108 sq ft
Formula: cubic yards x 27 / depth in feet. This is an estimate; real coverage can vary with compaction, settling, waste, and uneven ground.
Cubic feet
27 cu ft
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
Depth in feet
0.25
Used in the area formula
Coverage per cubic yard
108 sq ft
At the selected depth
Formula
square feet = cubic yards x 27 / depth in feet
Cubic yards measure volume, while square feet measure area. That means depth is required. One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so dividing by depth in feet gives the estimated surface area.
Common Coverage Examples
| Material volume and depth | Estimated coverage |
|---|---|
| 1 cubic yard at 2 inches deep | 162 sq ft |
| 1 cubic yard at 3 inches deep | 108 sq ft |
| 1 cubic yard at 4 inches deep | 81 sq ft |
| 2 cubic yards at 3 inches deep | 216 sq ft |
| 5 cubic yards at 6 inches deep | 270 sq ft |
When to Use This Calculator
Use this for mulch, soil, gravel, compost, concrete, stone, sand, and other bulk materials sold by the cubic yard. Add extra material for compaction, settling, waste, slopes, and uneven ground.