If you’re buying dirt, topsoil, garden soil, fill dirt, or landscaping material, you may come across measurements such as cubic yards and cubic feet. Understanding the relationship between these units makes it much easier to estimate how much material you need for a garden, lawn, flower bed, raised bed, or other landscaping project.
So, how many cubic feet are in a yard of dirt?
The answer is simple:
1 cubic yard of dirt = 27 cubic feet of dirt.
A cubic yard measures volume, meaning it accounts for length, width, and depth. One cubic yard is equal to a space measuring 3 feet long × 3 feet wide × 3 feet deep.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how the conversion works, how much area one cubic yard of dirt can cover at different depths, how to calculate the number of yards you need, and how dirt measurements work for common landscaping projects.
Quick Answer: How Many Cubic Feet Are in a Yard of Dirt?
There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard of dirt.
The calculation is:
3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet = 27 cubic feet
Therefore:
| Cubic Yards | Cubic Feet |
|---|---|
| 0.25 yard | 6.75 cu ft |
| 0.5 yard | 13.5 cu ft |
| 1 yard | 27 cu ft |
| 1.5 yards | 40.5 cu ft |
| 2 yards | 54 cu ft |
| 3 yards | 81 cu ft |
| 4 yards | 108 cu ft |
| 5 yards | 135 cu ft |
| 10 yards | 270 cu ft |
This conversion applies to the volume of dirt. The actual weight of the dirt can vary considerably depending on its type, moisture content, and compaction.
What Is a Cubic Yard of Dirt?
A cubic yard is a unit of volume commonly used when selling bulk landscaping and construction materials.
Imagine a box that measures:
- 3 feet long
- 3 feet wide
- 3 feet deep
The volume of that box is:
3 × 3 × 3 = 27 cubic feet
So, one cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet.
When a landscaping supplier says you’re purchasing 2 cubic yards of topsoil, you’re purchasing approximately:
2 × 27 = 54 cubic feet
of material by volume.
The term “yard” in this context means cubic yard, not a linear yard.
Cubic Yard vs. Cubic Foot
It’s important to distinguish between these measurements because they represent different volumes.
1 Cubic Foot
One cubic foot is a space measuring:
1 ft × 1 ft × 1 ft
Therefore:
1 cubic foot = 1 cubic foot
1 Cubic Yard
One cubic yard is:
3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft
Therefore:
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
The difference is significant when ordering bulk dirt.
For example:
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
- 2 cubic yards = 54 cubic feet
- 5 cubic yards = 135 cubic feet
How to Convert Cubic Yards to Cubic Feet
Converting cubic yards to cubic feet is straightforward.
Formula
Cubic feet = cubic yards × 27
For example, if you have 4 cubic yards of dirt:
4 × 27 = 108 cubic feet
Therefore:
4 cubic yards = 108 cubic feet
Example: 2.5 Cubic Yards
Suppose you order 2.5 cubic yards of topsoil.
Multiply:
2.5 × 27 = 67.5 cubic feet
So, 2.5 cubic yards contains 67.5 cubic feet of dirt.
How to Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards
You can also convert in the opposite direction.
Formula
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
For example, if you need 81 cubic feet of dirt:
81 ÷ 27 = 3 cubic yards
Therefore, you need 3 cubic yards.
Example: 50 Cubic Feet
If your project requires 50 cubic feet:
50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards
You would need approximately 1.85 cubic yards, so you may need to order 2 cubic yards depending on supplier requirements and project conditions.
How Much Area Does 1 Cubic Yard of Dirt Cover?
One cubic yard of dirt contains 27 cubic feet, but the amount of ground it covers depends on how deep you spread it.
This is one of the most important points to understand.
The same cubic yard can cover a large area when spread thinly or a smaller area when spread deeply.
Coverage of 1 Cubic Yard of Dirt
| Depth | Approximate Coverage |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft |
| 5 inches | 64.8 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft |
| 8 inches | 40.5 sq ft |
| 9 inches | 36 sq ft |
| 10 inches | 32.4 sq ft |
| 12 inches | 27 sq ft |
These figures assume the full cubic yard is available and distributed evenly.
How Much Does 1 Yard of Dirt Cover at 2 Inches?
At a depth of 2 inches, one cubic yard covers approximately:
162 square feet
Calculation:
27 ÷ (2 ÷ 12)
27 ÷ 0.1667 ≈ 162 sq ft
This depth can be useful for certain lawn or landscaping applications, although the appropriate soil depth depends on what you’re installing.
How Much Does 1 Yard of Dirt Cover at 3 Inches?
At 3 inches deep, one cubic yard covers approximately:
108 square feet
Calculation:
27 ÷ 0.25 = 108 sq ft
Three inches is a common depth for some topsoil and landscaping applications, but the appropriate depth varies by project.
How Much Does 1 Yard of Dirt Cover at 4 Inches?
At a depth of 4 inches, one cubic yard covers approximately:
81 square feet
Calculation:
27 ÷ (4 ÷ 12)
27 ÷ 0.3333 ≈ 81 sq ft
For example, an area measuring about 9 feet × 9 feet equals 81 square feet. One cubic yard would cover that area to approximately 4 inches before accounting for settling or uneven application.
How Much Does 1 Yard of Dirt Cover at 6 Inches?
At 6 inches deep, one cubic yard covers approximately:
54 square feet
Calculation:
27 ÷ 0.5 = 54 sq ft
This illustrates why deeper landscaping beds require substantially more material.
How to Calculate How Much Dirt You Need
To determine how many cubic yards of dirt your project requires, you need three measurements:
- Length
- Width
- Depth
All measurements should be converted to feet.
Basic Formula
Cubic feet = length × width × depth
Then convert cubic feet to cubic yards:
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
You can combine these into one formula:
Cubic yards = (length × width × depth) ÷ 27
Example: 10 × 20 Foot Area at 4 Inches Deep
Suppose you’re adding dirt to an area that measures:
- Length = 20 feet
- Width = 10 feet
- Depth = 4 inches
First convert 4 inches to feet:
4 ÷ 12 = 0.3333 feet
Now calculate cubic feet:
20 × 10 × 0.3333 = 66.67 cubic feet
Convert to cubic yards:
66.67 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards
You would need approximately 2.47 cubic yards of dirt before allowing for settling, uneven ground, or waste.
Depending on how the material is sold, you may choose to order about 2.5 to 3 cubic yards.
Easy Formula Using Inches
If your depth is measured in inches, you can use a convenient shortcut.
Formula
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324
For example:
20 × 10 × 4 ÷ 324
= 800 ÷ 324
= 2.47 cubic yards
This formula is especially useful for landscaping projects because depth is often measured in inches.
Dirt Quantity Calculator Examples
Here are some common project sizes.
| Area | Depth | Dirt Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 2 in | 0.62 yd³ |
| 100 sq ft | 3 in | 0.93 yd³ |
| 100 sq ft | 4 in | 1.23 yd³ |
| 200 sq ft | 3 in | 1.85 yd³ |
| 300 sq ft | 3 in | 2.78 yd³ |
| 400 sq ft | 3 in | 3.70 yd³ |
| 500 sq ft | 3 in | 4.63 yd³ |
| 500 sq ft | 4 in | 6.17 yd³ |
| 1,000 sq ft | 2 in | 6.17 yd³ |
| 1,000 sq ft | 3 in | 9.26 yd³ |
| 1,000 sq ft | 4 in | 12.35 yd³ |
These are calculated volumes before adding any extra material for settling or uneven surfaces.
How Many Cubic Feet Are in 2 Yards of Dirt?
Since one cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet:
2 × 27 = 54 cubic feet
Therefore:
2 cubic yards = 54 cubic feet
At a depth of 3 inches, 2 cubic yards could cover approximately:
54 ÷ 0.25 = 216 square feet
How Many Cubic Feet Are in 3 Yards of Dirt?
Multiply 3 by 27:
3 × 27 = 81 cubic feet
Therefore:
3 cubic yards = 81 cubic feet
At 3 inches deep, this amount could theoretically cover:
81 ÷ 0.25 = 324 square feet
How Many Cubic Feet Are in 5 Yards of Dirt?
Five cubic yards contain:
5 × 27 = 135 cubic feet
Therefore:
5 cubic yards = 135 cubic feet
At different depths, that amount could cover approximately:
| Depth | Coverage from 5 yd³ |
|---|---|
| 2 inches | 810 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 540 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 405 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 270 sq ft |
| 12 inches | 135 sq ft |
How Many Bags of Soil Equal One Cubic Yard?
Bagged soil is usually sold by volume, such as 1 cubic foot, 1.5 cubic feet, or 2 cubic feet.
Because one cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet, you can divide 27 by the bag size.
1-Cubic-Foot Bags
27 ÷ 1 = 27 bags
So, 27 one-cubic-foot bags equal one cubic yard by volume.
1.5-Cubic-Foot Bags
27 ÷ 1.5 = 18 bags
So, 18 bags equal one cubic yard.
2-Cubic-Foot Bags
27 ÷ 2 = 13.5 bags
Since you can’t normally purchase half a bag, you would need 14 two-cubic-foot bags to have at least one cubic yard.
| Bag Size | Bags per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|
| 0.5 cu ft | 54 |
| 1 cu ft | 27 |
| 1.5 cu ft | 18 |
| 2 cu ft | 13.5 |
| 2.5 cu ft | 10.8 |
| 3 cu ft | 9 |
Always check the actual volume printed on the bag because product sizes can vary.
Dirt, Topsoil, Fill Dirt, and Garden Soil
Although these materials are all measured in cubic feet or cubic yards, they aren’t necessarily interchangeable.
Topsoil
Topsoil is generally used for lawns, gardens, planting areas, and landscaping. It contains a mixture of mineral soil and organic material, depending on the supplier.
Fill Dirt
Fill dirt is primarily used to raise or fill low areas, build up grades, and provide bulk material. It may contain less organic matter than planting soil.
Garden Soil
Garden soil is formulated for planting and may contain amendments or organic material.
Compost
Compost is rich in decomposed organic material and is often used as an amendment rather than as the sole bulk soil for every application.
The volume conversion remains the same:
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
However, the weight and physical characteristics can differ significantly.
How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Dirt Weigh?
There isn’t one universal weight for a cubic yard of dirt.
The weight depends on:
- Soil type
- Moisture content
- Compaction
- Organic matter
- Sand and clay content
- Gravel or rocks
- Supplier and material blend
A cubic yard of relatively dry soil may weigh substantially less than the same volume of wet soil.
For this reason, don’t assume that every cubic yard weighs the same amount.
If you’re transporting dirt, check with the supplier for the estimated weight of the specific material you’re buying.
This is especially important when determining whether a pickup truck, trailer, or other vehicle can safely carry the load.
Is a Yard of Dirt the Same as a Yard of Soil?
From a volume standpoint, if both products are sold as one cubic yard, they each contain 27 cubic feet.
However, the materials themselves may be very different.
For example:
- 1 cubic yard of topsoil = 27 cubic feet
- 1 cubic yard of fill dirt = 27 cubic feet
- 1 cubic yard of garden soil = 27 cubic feet
Their weights, composition, moisture levels, and intended uses can differ.
How Much Dirt Do You Need for a Garden?
The amount of dirt required depends primarily on the garden’s surface area and desired depth.
For example, suppose you have a garden measuring 10 × 10 feet and want a 6-inch soil layer.
First calculate the area:
10 × 10 = 100 square feet
Convert 6 inches to feet:
6 ÷ 12 = 0.5 feet
Then:
100 × 0.5 = 50 cubic feet
Convert to cubic yards:
50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards
So the theoretical requirement is approximately 1.85 cubic yards.
You might order around 2 cubic yards, depending on the project’s conditions and the supplier’s delivery increments.
Does Dirt Settle After Delivery?
Yes. Soil can settle after it is placed, especially if it is loose, disturbed, or contains significant organic material.
Settlement can occur because of:
- Rain
- Watering
- Compaction
- Foot traffic
- Equipment
- Natural consolidation
- Soil composition
For this reason, the amount you initially order may not equal the final volume after the material settles.
For a precise project, consider the expected settling and follow the recommendations appropriate for the specific soil material.
Should You Order Extra Dirt?
It can be reasonable to allow some additional material when ordering bulk dirt, particularly if:
- The ground is uneven.
- The existing soil has depressions.
- The material may settle.
- You need to grade the area.
- Some dirt will be lost during installation.
- The depth needs to be consistent across the entire project.
A small allowance can prevent the inconvenience of running short, but the appropriate amount depends on the project.
Avoid automatically ordering a large excess. Measure the area carefully and account for actual site conditions.
Common Mistakes When Calculating Dirt
1. Confusing Cubic Feet With Square Feet
Square feet measure area, while cubic feet measure volume.
For example:
100 square feet describes a surface area.
100 cubic feet describes a volume.
They aren’t interchangeable.
2. Forgetting the Depth
Knowing that your garden is 500 square feet isn’t enough to determine how much dirt you need.
You also need the depth.
A 500-square-foot area filled to 2 inches requires much less dirt than the same area filled to 12 inches.
3. Using Inches Without Converting
If your length and width are in feet but your depth is in inches, don’t simply multiply all three numbers.
Convert the depth to feet or use the shortcut formula:
Length × Width × Depth in inches ÷ 324
4. Assuming Every Soil Type Weighs the Same
Volume is consistent, but weight isn’t.
One cubic yard of wet clay-rich soil can weigh considerably more than a cubic yard of a lighter, drier soil mixture.
5. Ignoring Settling
Loose soil may settle after installation. If the finished grade is important, account for site conditions and material characteristics.
Quick Cubic Yard to Cubic Foot Conversion Chart
Use this chart when ordering bulk dirt:
| Cubic Yards | Cubic Feet |
|---|---|
| 0.1 | 2.7 |
| 0.25 | 6.75 |
| 0.5 | 13.5 |
| 0.75 | 20.25 |
| 1 | 27 |
| 1.25 | 33.75 |
| 1.5 | 40.5 |
| 2 | 54 |
| 2.5 | 67.5 |
| 3 | 81 |
| 4 | 108 |
| 5 | 135 |
| 6 | 162 |
| 8 | 216 |
| 10 | 270 |
FAQs
How many cubic feet are in a yard of dirt?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard of dirt. The calculation is 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet = 27 cubic feet.
How many cubic feet are in 2 yards of dirt?
Two cubic yards contain 54 cubic feet because 2 × 27 = 54.
How many cubic feet are in 3 yards of dirt?
Three cubic yards contain 81 cubic feet.
How much area does 1 yard of dirt cover?
It depends on the depth. One cubic yard covers approximately 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, 108 square feet at 3 inches, and 81 square feet at 4 inches.
How do I calculate how many yards of dirt I need?
Multiply the length by width by depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27:
Cubic yards = length × width × depth ÷ 27
If depth is in inches, use:
Cubic yards = length × width × depth in inches ÷ 324
Is a cubic yard the same as 27 cubic feet?
Yes. 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet.
How many 2-cubic-foot bags of dirt equal a yard?
One cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. Therefore:
27 ÷ 2 = 13.5 bags
You would need 14 full 2-cubic-foot bags to equal or exceed one cubic yard.
Does wet dirt weigh more than dry dirt?
Yes. Water adds substantial weight, so the same volume of soil can weigh significantly more when wet than when dry.
Final Answer: How Many Cubic Feet Are in a Yard of Dirt?
So, how many cubic feet are in a yard of dirt?
1 cubic yard of dirt contains exactly 27 cubic feet.
The basic conversion is:
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
To convert cubic yards to cubic feet:
Cubic yards × 27 = cubic feet
To convert cubic feet to cubic yards:
Cubic feet ÷ 27 = cubic yards
Remember that the amount of ground one cubic yard covers depends on the depth. At 2 inches, one cubic yard covers about 162 square feet; at 3 inches, about 108 square feet; and at 4 inches, about 81 square feet.
For landscaping projects, measure the length, width, and required depth carefully before ordering. Also consider soil type, settling, uneven ground, and the supplier’s minimum delivery quantity to avoid ordering too little or too much material.
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