How to convert cubic feet in a yard
- 1
Start with cubic yards
Begin with the number of cubic yards you want to express in cubic feet.
- 2
Multiply by 27
Multiply by 27, since each cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. The converter above does this instantly.
Formula
Cubic feet = cubic yards x 27
A cubic yard is a cube 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high. Because 3 times 3 times 3 equals 27, one cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. To reverse it, divide cubic feet by 27.
Worked example
How many cubic feet are in 2.5 cubic yards?
- 1Start with the cubic yards: 2.5.
- 2Multiply by 27: 2.5 x 27 = 67.5.
2.5 cubic yards is 67.5 cubic feet.
Why 3 times 3 times 3 equals 27
A yard is 3 feet, so a cubic yard is a cube that is 3 feet in each direction. To find the volume of a cube you multiply its three sides, and 3 feet times 3 feet times 3 feet is 27 cubic feet. The number is exact, with no rounding.
You can picture it as three layers of material stacked one foot high, where each layer is a 3 foot by 3 foot square holding 9 cubic feet. Three layers of 9 cubic feet make 27.
Common fractions of a cubic yard
Partial yards convert the same way, by multiplying by 27:
- A quarter yard is 6.75 cubic feet
- A third of a yard is 9 cubic feet
- Half a yard is 13.5 cubic feet
- Three quarters of a yard is 20.25 cubic feet
Where this comes up
Bagged products are often labeled in cubic feet, while bulk deliveries are sold by the cubic yard. Knowing that one yard is 27 cubic feet lets you compare a pallet of bags against a bulk order, or check that a delivered yard will fit the space you measured in feet.
To convert in either direction instantly, use the cubic feet to cubic yards and cubic yards to cubic feet calculators. For the full definition of the unit, see what a cubic yard is.
Cubic Yards to Cubic Feet
Common cubic yard amounts in cubic feet, generated by multiplying each value by 27.
| Cubic yards | Cubic feet |
|---|---|
| 0.1 | 2.7 |
| 0.25 | 6.75 |
| 0.5 | 13.5 |
| 0.75 | 20.25 |
| 1 | 27 |
| 1.5 | 40.5 |
| 2 | 54 |
| 3 | 81 |
| 5 | 135 |
| 10 | 270 |
Frequently asked questions
- How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
- Exactly 27 cubic feet, because a cubic yard is a cube 3 feet on each side.
- Why is a cubic yard 27 cubic feet?
- Because a yard is 3 feet, and a cube 3 feet on each side has a volume of 3 times 3 times 3, which equals 27 cubic feet.
- How many cubic feet are in half a cubic yard?
- Half a cubic yard is 13.5 cubic feet, since 0.5 times 27 is 13.5.
- Is 27 cubic feet exactly one cubic yard?
- Yes, the factor is exact with no rounding.
- How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
- Divide the cubic feet by 27. For example, 54 cubic feet is 54 divided by 27, which equals 2 cubic yards.
- Is a cubic yard the same as a yard?
- No. A yard is a length of 3 feet. A cubic yard is a volume of 27 cubic feet.
- How many cubic feet are in 3 cubic yards?
- 3 times 27 equals 81, so 3 cubic yards is 81 cubic feet.
This page uses the exact factor of 27 cubic feet per cubic yard. The table is generated by the calculation engine. See the YardCalc calculation methodology.
Results are planning estimates. Last reviewed 2026-06-16.