Square Yard calculator

What Is the Square Yard?

A square yard (yd²) is the area enclosed by a square whose sides each measure exactly one yard (three feet or 0.9144 m) in length. It is part of both the British Imperial and the United States customary systems of measurement. Its common abbreviations include sq yd, yd², and sq yd.

Brief History

The yard itself traces back to medieval English statutes, where by the 13th century it was formally defined as three feet based on physical standards (“yard bar”) maintained by the Crown. The square yard emerged naturally as a derived area unit once land and textile measurements required two‑dimensional quantification. Its widespread use in England and subsequent British territories cemented its role prior to the global adoption of metric measures.

Geographic Distribution

• North America: The U.S. and Canada still employ square yards in residential property descriptions and flooring materials specifications.
• United Kingdom & Ireland: Despite official metrication, many trades (carpentry, landscaping) continue to quote areas in square yards.
• South Asia: In parts of Pakistan and India, the square yard (locally “gaz” or “gaj”) coexists with traditional land units and the metric system.
• Caribbean & Middle East: Select territories retain square yards for building codes and land surveys.

Square Yard Conversion