What to measure
How to use the square yard calculator
Choose a rectangle or circle and enter its size. Add an optional waste percentage (for carpet, use the carpet calculator, which also plans the roll cuts) and a price per square yard.
The formula
Square yards = length (ft) × width (ft) ÷ 9
Worked example: 12 × 15 ft room
- 12 × 15 = 180 sq ft
- 180 ÷ 9 = 20 square yards (16.72 m²)
Quick conversions
| Square feet | Square yards |
|---|---|
| 100 | 11.11 |
| 144 (12 × 12) | 16 |
| 200 | 22.22 |
| 500 | 55.56 |
| 1,000 | 111.11 |
Square yards by room size
The last column adds 10% for trimming and waste. If the material is sold in whole square yards, round it up.
| Room | Square feet | Square yards | With 10% extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 | 11.11 | 12.22 |
| 10 × 12 ft | 120 | 13.33 | 14.67 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 | 16 | 17.6 |
| 12 × 15 ft | 180 | 20 | 22 |
| 12 × 18 ft | 216 | 24 | 26.4 |
| 15 × 20 ft | 300 | 33.33 | 36.67 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 400 | 44.44 | 48.89 |
| 20 × 30 ft | 600 | 66.67 | 73.33 |
Common mistakes
- Dividing by 3 instead of 9. A yard is 3 ft, but a square yard is 3 × 3 = 9 sq ft.
- Dividing inches by 9. Convert inches to feet first, or pick inches in the unit menu and let the calculator convert.
- Leaving out closets and doorways when the material runs into them.
- Using square yards for a fill. Soil, gravel and concrete need a depth too — that’s cubic yards.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate square yards?
Multiply length × width in feet to get square feet, then divide by 9 — a square yard is 3 ft × 3 ft. A 12 × 15 ft room is 180 ÷ 9 = 20 square yards.
How many square feet are in a square yard?
9. And one square yard is about 0.836 square meters.
Square yards vs. cubic yards — what's the difference?
Square yards measure area (carpet, sod). Cubic yards measure volume (concrete, soil, gravel) and need a depth too. Use the cubic yard calculator for those.
How do I convert price per square foot to price per square yard?
Multiply by 9. Carpet at $3 per sq ft is $27 per sq yd.
How many square yards is a 10x12 room?
13.33 square yards (120 sq ft). With 10% extra for waste, 14.67 square yards.
How many square yards is a 12 ft circle?
A round area 12 ft across is 113.1 sq ft, or 12.57 square yards.
How many square yards of sod for a 20 × 30 ft lawn?
66.67 square yards (600 sq ft). With 10% extra for trimming around edges and curves, 73.33 square yards.
How many square yards are in an acre?
4,840. An acre is 43,560 sq ft, and 43,560 ÷ 9 = 4,840 square yards.
How do I find the square yards of an L-shaped room?
Split it into two rectangles, add their square feet, then divide by 9. A 12 × 15 ft room with a 6 × 8 ft alcove is 180 + 48 = 228 sq ft, or 25.33 square yards.
Sources
Formulas and defaults last reviewed October 30, 2026. How we check our math.