How to convert cubic yards to cubic feet
- 1
Find the cubic yards value
Start with your volume in cubic yards, such as the amount listed on a supplier quote.
- 2
Multiply by 27
Multiply the cubic yards value by 27. The result is the volume in cubic feet.
- 3
Use the cubic feet result
Compare the cubic feet result with measurements that are already in feet, or use it to check a plan.
Formula
Cubic feet = cubic yards x 27
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so multiplying the cubic yards value by 27 converts it to cubic feet.
Worked example
Convert 2 cubic yards to cubic feet.
- 1Start with the cubic yards value: 2.
- 2Multiply by 27: 2 x 27 = 54.
2 cubic yards equals 54 cubic feet.
Why one cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet
One yard equals 3 feet. A cubic yard is a cube that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high. Multiplying 3 by 3 by 3 gives 27, so one cubic yard holds 27 cubic feet.
The factor is exact, so multiplying any cubic yards value by 27 gives a precise cubic feet result.
Cubic yards versus cubic feet
Both units measure volume, so they describe the same thing at different scales. Cubic yards are larger, which makes them handy for bulk orders. Cubic feet are smaller, which makes them easier to match against measurements taken in feet.
Because both are volume, you can move between them with a single factor of 27 and no loss of accuracy.
When cubic feet are more useful
Cubic feet are often the better unit when you are:
- Comparing a quote against measurements taken in feet
- Checking bag or container volumes that are labeled in cubic feet
- Working out how a delivered cubic yard order fits a space
- Planning small projects where cubic yards feel too coarse
Reverse conversion
To go the other way, divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. For example, 54 cubic feet is 54 divided by 27, which equals 2 cubic yards. You can do this instantly with the cubic feet to cubic yards calculator. To estimate volume from length, width, and depth, use the cubic yard calculator.
Cubic yards to cubic feet conversion table
Common cubic yard values converted to cubic feet by multiplying by 27.
| Cubic yards | Cubic feet |
|---|---|
| 0.25 | 6.75 |
| 0.5 | 13.5 |
| 0.75 | 20.25 |
| 1 | 27 |
| 1.5 | 40.5 |
| 2 | 54 |
| 3 | 81 |
| 4 | 108 |
| 5 | 135 |
| 10 | 270 |
| 15 | 405 |
| 20 | 540 |
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 to convert cubic yards to cubic feet?
- Cubic feet equals cubic yards multiplied by 27.
- How many cubic feet are in 2 cubic yards?
- 2 times 27 equals 54, so 2 cubic yards is 54 cubic feet.
- How many cubic feet are in half a cubic yard?
- Half a cubic yard is 0.5 times 27, which equals 13.5 cubic feet.
- Is the conversion factor exact?
- Yes. One cubic yard is exactly 27 cubic feet, so the conversion has no rounding error.
- What do yd3 and ft3 mean?
- yd3 is a short way to write cubic yards, and ft3 is a short way to write cubic feet. Both describe volume.
- How do I convert cubic feet back to cubic yards?
- Divide the cubic feet by 27. For example, 81 cubic feet is 81 divided by 27, which equals 3 cubic yards.
This conversion uses the exact factor of 27 cubic feet per cubic yard. Table values are produced by multiplying each cubic yards value by 27. Read the full calculation methodology for how YardCalc verifies conversions.
Results are planning estimates. Last reviewed 2026-06-12.