How to convert cubic feet to cubic yards
- 1
Find the cubic feet value
Start with your volume in cubic feet. If you only have length, width, and depth, use the cubic yard calculator to find cubic feet first.
- 2
Divide by 27
Divide the cubic feet value by 27. The result is the volume in cubic yards.
- 3
Keep the decimal
Leave the answer as a decimal while you plan. Round only when you are ready to display or order.
Formula
Cubic yards = cubic feet / 27
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so dividing the cubic feet value by 27 converts it to cubic yards.
Worked example
Convert 54 cubic feet to cubic yards.
- 1Start with the cubic feet value: 54.
- 2Divide by 27: 54 / 27 = 2.
54 cubic feet equals 2 cubic yards.
Why the conversion uses 27
One yard equals 3 feet. A cubic yard has three dimensions, so you multiply 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet. That equals 27 cubic feet. This is why every cubic feet to cubic yards conversion divides by 27.
The factor is exact, not rounded, so the conversion is precise for any cubic feet value.
When this conversion is useful
Converting cubic feet to cubic yards comes up whenever a volume is measured in feet but ordered in yards, such as:
- Concrete volume for a slab or footing
- Gravel or crushed stone for a driveway
- Topsoil or compost for a garden
- Mulch for landscape beds
- Sand for a paver base
- Excavation, backfill, and container or dumpster volume
Cubic feet versus square feet
Cubic feet measure volume, which is length times width times depth. Square feet measure area, which is length times width only. You cannot convert square feet straight to cubic yards.
If you only have square feet, you first need a depth. Multiply the area by the depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. The cubic yard calculator does this in one step when you enter length, width, and depth.
Reverse conversion
To go the other way, multiply cubic yards by 27 to get cubic feet. For example, 2 cubic yards is 2 times 27, which equals 54 cubic feet. You can do this instantly with the cubic yards to cubic feet calculator.
Cubic feet to cubic yards conversion table
Common cubic feet values converted to cubic yards using division by 27.
| Cubic feet | Cubic yards |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.037 |
| 5 | 0.185 |
| 10 | 0.370 |
| 15 | 0.556 |
| 20 | 0.741 |
| 27 | 1 |
| 30 | 1.111 |
| 40 | 1.481 |
| 50 | 1.852 |
| 54 | 2 |
| 75 | 2.778 |
| 81 | 3 |
| 100 | 3.704 |
| 250 | 9.259 |
| 500 | 18.519 |
Frequently asked questions
- How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
- There are exactly 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard, because a cubic yard measures 3 feet on each side and 3 times 3 times 3 equals 27.
- What is the formula for converting cubic feet to cubic yards?
- Cubic yards equals cubic feet divided by 27.
- Is 27 cubic feet exactly one cubic yard?
- Yes. The factor is exact. 27 cubic feet equals 1 cubic yard with no rounding.
- How many cubic yards are in 54 cubic feet?
- 54 divided by 27 equals 2, so 54 cubic feet is 2 cubic yards.
- How many cubic yards are in 100 cubic feet?
- 100 divided by 27 is about 3.70 cubic yards. Keep the decimal while planning and round only when you order.
- Can square feet be converted to cubic yards?
- Not directly. Square feet measure area, so you need a depth first. Multiply the area by the depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27.
- Should I round cubic yards up?
- For ordering, rounding up is usually safer so you do not run short. While planning, keep the exact decimal value.
- What is the abbreviation for cubic feet and cubic yards?
- Cubic feet is often written as cu ft or ft3, and cubic yards as cu yd or yd3.
- How do I convert cubic yards back to cubic feet?
- Multiply the cubic yards by 27. For example, 3 cubic yards is 3 times 27, which equals 81 cubic feet.
This conversion uses the exact factor of 27 cubic feet per cubic yard. Table values are produced by dividing each cubic feet value by 27 and rounding only for display. Read the full calculation methodology for how YardCalc verifies conversions.
Results are planning estimates. Last reviewed 2026-06-12.