1 square yard = 9 square feet. To figure out square yards, divide square footage by 9, or enter room or lot measurements below, with a waste allowance and price per yard.
How to use the square yard calculator
- Enter the length and width in feet, inches, yards or meters, or switch to Square feet if you already know the area.
- Add an allowance for waste. Carpet and vinyl come in fixed roll widths, so seams and pattern matching use extra material.
- Enter the price per square yard from your quote to see the total.
Square yard formula
Square yards = length (ft) × width (ft) ÷ 9 Square yards = square feet ÷ 9 Square yards = square meters × 1.19599
A square yard is 3 ft × 3 ft, so it holds 9 square feet. Converting meters uses the exact definition of the yard, 0.9144 m.
Worked example: carpet for a 12 × 15 ft room
- Area: 12 × 15 = 180 ft².
- Square yards: 180 ÷ 9 = 20 yd².
- With 10% extra: 20 × 1.10 = 22 yd².
Square yards for common room sizes
| Room | Square feet | Square yards | With 10% extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 | 11.11 | 12.22 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 | 16 | 17.6 |
| 12 × 15 ft | 180 | 20 | 22 |
| 15 × 20 ft | 300 | 33.33 | 36.67 |
| 20 × 30 ft | 600 | 66.67 | 73.33 |
Square feet to square yards chart
Divide square feet by 9 to get square yards.
| Square feet | Square yards |
|---|---|
| 9 | 1 |
| 50 | 5.56 |
| 100 | 11.11 |
| 150 | 16.67 |
| 200 | 22.22 |
| 250 | 27.78 |
| 300 | 33.33 |
| 400 | 44.44 |
| 500 | 55.56 |
| 750 | 83.33 |
| 1,000 | 111.11 |
| 1,500 | 166.67 |
| 2,000 | 222.22 |
Where square yards are used
- Carpet is often quoted per square yard, though many stores now show a square-foot price too. Divide a per-yard price by 9 to compare.
- Paving and sealcoating contractors often price per square yard; the asphalt calculator turns square yards into tons.
- Landscaping fabric and sod may be sold by the square yard or the square foot; check the unit before you compare prices.
Questions
How many square feet are in a square yard?
9. A square yard measures 3 ft on each side.
How do I convert square feet to square yards?
Divide by 9. For example, 450 ft² ÷ 9 = 50 yd².
How many square yards is a 12 × 12 room?
144 ft² ÷ 9 = 16 yd², before any extra for seams.
How do I compare a per-yard and a per-foot price?
Divide the price per square yard by 9 to get the price per square foot. $36 per yd² is $4 per ft².
How many square yards are in an acre?
4,840. An acre is 43,560 ft², and 43,560 ÷ 9 = 4,840 yd².
How many square yards are in 1,000 square feet?
1,000 ÷ 9 = 111.1 square yards.
Sources
- NIST Guide to the SI, Appendix B.8: Factors for units listed alphabetically, National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Used for: Exact inch and foot definitions; cubic foot, cubic yard and gallon conversions.