Short answer: One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, because a cubic yard is 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet. A cubic yard holds 13.5 bags of 2 cubic feet, or 27 bags of 1 cubic foot.
| Cubic yards | Cubic feet | 2 cu ft bags | 1 cu ft bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 13.5 | 7 | 14 |
| 1 | 27 | 14 | 27 |
| 2 | 54 | 27 | 54 |
| 3 | 81 | 41 | 81 |
| 5 | 135 | 68 | 135 |
| 10 | 270 | 135 | 270 |
Why it is 27 and not 9 or 3
Length is measured in one direction, area in two and volume in three. A yard is 3 feet, so a square yard is 3 by 3, or 9 square feet, and a cubic yard is 3 by 3 by 3, or 27 cubic feet. This is a common source of ordering mistakes.
Using it for mulch, soil and gravel
Bulk landscape materials are sold by the cubic yard, while bags are labeled in cubic feet. To compare, multiply the yards by 27 to get cubic feet, then divide by the volume of one bag. Bulk is usually cheaper once you need more than about 2 cubic yards.
Worked example
A bed 20 ft by 10 ft covered 3 inches deep holds 50 cubic feet. Divided by 27, that is 1.85 cubic yards, which would take 25 bags of 2 cubic feet.
Use the Mulch CalculatorEnter your own measurements and get an exact amount.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet are in half a cubic yard?
Half a cubic yard is 13.5 cubic feet.
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide the number of cubic feet by 27.
How many 2 cubic foot bags of mulch make a yard?
13.5, so buy 14 bags for one cubic yard.
More quick answers
Related calculators
Figures are typical planning values. Material sizes, densities and local requirements vary, so confirm with your supplier before ordering.
Last updated October 11, 2026.