How to convert to square yards
A square yard is 9 square feet, so to convert: square yards = length × width (in feet) ÷ 9. A 30 ft × 15 ft room is 450 square feet, which is 450 ÷ 9 = 50 square yards. Carpet and some concrete and landscaping materials are sold by the square yard. To measure the area in the first place, use the square footage calculator.
How to use this calculator
Enter the length and width in feet. The result shows the area in square yards and square feet. For an irregular space, split it into rectangles, calculate each, and add the square yards together. Carpet and vinyl orders are sized by the flooring calculator.
Why materials use square yards
Carpet is rolled and priced by the square yard, and ready-mix concrete and topsoil are often quoted per cubic yard. Knowing the square yardage makes ordering and pricing these materials straightforward. Add about 5–10% for waste and cutting.
Carpet also comes in fixed roll widths, usually 12 or 15 feet, so what you actually buy depends on how the roll can be cut for your room. A 13 ft wide room taken off a 12 ft roll needs a seam and an extra strip, which can push the order well past the raw square yardage. For land-sized areas, switch to the square feet to acres calculator.
Frequently asked questions
- How many square feet are in a square yard?
- Nine. One square yard is a 3 ft × 3 ft square, which is 9 square feet.
- How do I calculate square yards?
- Multiply length by width in feet to get square feet, then divide by 9. A 30 × 15 ft area is 450 sq ft ÷ 9 = 50 square yards.
- What is sold by the square yard?
- Carpet is the most common, and some concrete, topsoil and landscaping materials are quoted per square or cubic yard.
- How much extra should I order?
- Add about 5–10% for cuts, seams and waste, especially for carpet.
- How do I convert square yards to square metres?
- Multiply square yards by 0.8361. Fifty square yards is about 41.8 square metres, which is the unit most flooring outside the US is priced in.