Square yards are still common in the US for carpet, artificial turf, landscaping fabric and some paving quotes. In parts of South Asia, plot sizes are also given in square yards (often called gaj). This calculator works out the area in square yards from whatever unit you measured in, and shows square feet, square metres and acres alongside.
How to calculate square yards
There are two easy ways:
- From square feet: multiply length × width in feet, then divide by 9.
- From yards: measure in yards and multiply length × width directly.
The number 9 comes from the fact that one yard is 3 feet, so a square yard is 3 ft × 3 ft = 9 sq ft.
- Choose the shape of your area.
- Select the unit you measured in.
- Enter the measurements. The large result shows square yards; the other units appear below it.
- Optionally, add waste and a price per square yard to estimate the cost.
Converting to square yards
| From | To get square yards | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Square feet | Divide by 9 | 144 sq ft ÷ 9 = 16 sq yd |
| Square inches | Divide by 1,296 | 12,960 sq in ÷ 1,296 = 10 sq yd |
| Square metres | Multiply by 1.196 | 20 m² × 1.196 = 23.92 sq yd |
| Acres | Multiply by 4,840 | 0.25 acres × 4,840 = 1,210 sq yd |
Worked example: carpet for a bedroom
- The bedroom is 12 ft × 14 ft = 168 sq ft.
- 168 ÷ 9 = 18.67 sq yd.
- With 10% extra for seams and trimming: 18.67 × 1.10 = 20.53 sq yd.
- At $28 per square yard installed: 20.53 × 28 = $574.93.
Broadloom carpet usually comes in rolls 12 ft wide in the US (some styles come in 15 ft), so the amount you actually buy depends on the layout and where the seams go. Use the result as a starting point and confirm with your installer.
Square yards vs cubic yards
Square yards measure a flat surface. Cubic yards measure volume, and that is how concrete, mulch and topsoil are ordered. To convert, multiply the square yards by the depth in yards. For example, 30 sq yd of concrete 4 inches deep is 30 × (4 ÷ 36) = 3.33 cubic yards. Suppliers usually recommend ordering a little extra.
Where square yards are used
- Carpet: many US carpet stores still price carpet and installation per square yard, even when the flooring aisle next to it is priced per square foot. Multiply a per-square-yard price by the square yards, not the square feet.
- Artificial turf and sod: turf is often sold from rolls by the square yard or square foot; sod is commonly sold by the square foot or by the pallet, with each pallet covering a stated area.
- Landscape fabric and geotextiles: often listed by the square yard.
- Paving and road work: asphalt and paving contractors sometimes quote per square yard.
- Plots in South Asia: in India and Pakistan, residential plots are often described in gaj, which is generally treated as one square yard. A 200 gaj plot is about 1,800 sq ft.
Tips for measuring large areas
For a lawn, driveway or plot, a measuring wheel is quicker and more accurate than a tape. Break curved or irregular areas into rectangles, triangles and circles, add each one with Add to total, and the running total gives the full area in square yards. If you have a site plan, you can use its dimensions directly.
Common room sizes in square yards
| Room size | Square feet | Square yards | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 | 11.11 | Small bedroom, home office |
| 10 × 12 ft | 120 | 13.33 | Bedroom, nursery |
| 11 × 12 ft | 132 | 14.67 | Bedroom |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 | 16 | Bedroom, dining room |
| 12 × 14 ft | 168 | 18.67 | Large bedroom, kitchen |
| 12 × 15 ft | 180 | 20 | Living room, primary bedroom |
| 12 × 16 ft | 192 | 21.33 | Family room, primary bedroom |
| 13 × 15 ft | 195 | 21.67 | Primary bedroom |
| 14 × 16 ft | 224 | 24.89 | Living room |
| 15 × 20 ft | 300 | 33.33 | Large living room |
| 16 × 20 ft | 320 | 35.56 | Great room, open-plan kitchen |
| 20 × 20 ft | 400 | 44.44 | Two-car garage |
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet are in a square yard?
There are 9 square feet in a square yard, because a yard is 3 feet long and 3 × 3 = 9.
How do I convert square feet to square yards?
Divide the square feet by 9. For example, 270 sq ft ÷ 9 = 30 sq yd.
How many square yards is a 12×12 room?
A 12 × 12 ft room is 144 sq ft, which is 144 ÷ 9 = 16 square yards.
What is the difference between square yards and cubic yards?
Square yards measure area (length × width). Cubic yards measure volume (length × width × depth) and are used for concrete, soil and mulch.
How many square yards are in an acre?
One acre is exactly 4,840 square yards, or 43,560 square feet.
Is a square yard bigger than a square metre?
No. A square yard is about 0.836 m², so a square metre is roughly 20% larger than a square yard.
How do I measure a room for carpet in square yards?
Measure the length and width in feet, multiply them, and divide by 9. Add around 10% for trimming and seams, then confirm the final amount with your installer based on the roll width.