Mulch, Gravel & Soil Calculator
Calculate how much mulch, topsoil, compost, sand or gravel you need: cubic yards or metres, weight in tons, number of bags and cost.
๐ Runs entirely in your browser โ nothing is uploadedCalculating bulk landscaping material
Mulch, soil, sand and gravel are all sold by volume, usually in cubic yards or cubic metres, so the key calculation is area times depth. Measure the length and width of the bed or path, choose the depth you want to spread, and the calculator converts everything to a single volume. Imperial users enter feet and inches and get cubic yards and cubic feet; metric users enter metres and centimetres and get cubic metres and litres.
Volume, weight and bags
Suppliers sell by volume, but trucks and trailers have weight limits, so the calculator also estimates weight using a typical density for the material you selected. A cubic yard of mulch weighs only about 600 lb, while the same volume of gravel or sand is closer to 2,500 to 2,700 lb, which is why a pickup truck can carry two yards of mulch but only about one yard of gravel. Densities depend on moisture and grain size, so use the figure as a guide and confirm with your supplier. If you are buying bags, enter the bag size and the tool tells you how many to pick up.
Choosing the right depth
Depth matters as much as area. Two to three inches of mulch suppresses weeds and keeps soil moist without smothering plants; thicker layers can rot stems. New lawns need around four to six inches of topsoil, raised beds more, and gravel driveways or paths typically need two to four inches on top of a compacted base. For a pea-gravel patio, add a layer of sand or fabric underneath as recommended for the product.
Add a price per cubic yard or cubic metre to compare bulk delivery with bagged material; bulk is generally much cheaper above a yard or so, though delivery fees apply. Enter your numbers and the totals update as you type, all inside your browser with nothing uploaded.
How to use
- Choose the materialPick mulch, compost, topsoil, sand, gravel, crushed stone or river rock and your unit system.
- Enter area and depthType the length, width and the depth you want to spread.
- Order the right amountRead the cubic yards or metres, weight, number of bags and estimated cost.