Calculate how much mulch, gravel, topsoil, or sand you need for any garden area — with weight and cost estimates.
Weight
0.93 tons
Calculator
Volume needed
1.85 yd³
Cubic metres
1.42 m³
Weight (short tons)
0.93 tons
Volume at different depths
2 inches
1.23 yd³
3 inches
1.85 yd³
4 inches
2.47 yd³
How to calculate landscaping materials
First measure your area. For rectangles, multiply length by width. For circles, use π × radius². Then choose a depth — 2–3 inches is typical for mulch and topsoil; 3–4 inches for gravel and sand used as a base layer.
The volume in cubic yards equals area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27. Most suppliers sell by the cubic yard or tonne, so weight is estimated using typical bulk densities: gravel ~1.4 t/yd³, topsoil ~1.1 t/yd³, sand ~1.35 t/yd³, mulch ~0.5 t/yd³.
How deep should I lay mulch?
2–3 inches is ideal for most garden beds — enough to suppress weeds and retain moisture without smothering plant roots. Avoid piling mulch against tree trunks.
How many cubic yards do I need?
Divide the area in square feet by 324 for a 1-inch layer, or use this calculator to enter your actual depth. One cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, or 81 sq ft at 4 inches.
Does gravel weight vary?
Yes — density varies with grain size and moisture content. Pea gravel and crushed stone are typically 1.3–1.5 short tons per cubic yard. This calculator uses 1.4 t/yd³ as a standard estimate; check with your supplier for precise weights.
Results are estimates. Verify with a professional for important decisions.
About this calculator
This calculator tells you how many cubic yards (and cubic metres) of mulch, gravel, topsoil, or sand you need to cover a rectangular or circular area at a chosen depth. Use it before ordering bulk materials to avoid under-buying or paying for excess delivery. It also shows the estimated weight and, if you enter a price per cubic yard, a total cost.
How to read your results
The headline figure is the volume in cubic yards — the standard unit landscaping suppliers quote for bulk orders. Directly below it you will see the same volume in cubic metres and the estimated weight in short tons based on the material you selected. The depth comparison bars show how the required volume changes if you apply 2, 3, or 4 inches of depth for the same area, so you can see how much a thicker or thinner layer adds or saves.
Worked example
A rectangular garden bed 20 ft long by 10 ft wide needs 3 inches of mulch. Enter shape: rectangle, length: 20 ft, width: 10 ft, depth: 3 in, material: mulch.
Area = 200 sq ft. Volume = 50 cubic ft = 1.85 cubic yards = 1.42 cubic metres. Estimated weight = 0.93 short tons (mulch density 0.5 tons per cubic yard). At 2 in depth you would need 1.23 yd³; at 4 in depth, 2.47 yd³.
Frequently asked questions
Why is volume measured in cubic yards and not cubic feet?
Landscaping suppliers sell bulk materials — mulch, gravel, topsoil, sand — by the cubic yard because the quantities involved are large enough that cubic feet produce unwieldy three-digit numbers. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet.
How accurate are the material weight estimates?
The densities used (gravel 1.4 t/yd³, topsoil 1.1 t/yd³, sand 1.35 t/yd³, mulch 0.5 t/yd³) are representative averages sourced from Inch Calculator and CalculatorSoup. Actual weight varies with moisture content and grade, so treat the figure as a planning guide when checking vehicle payload or delivery limits.
Should I order a little extra?
Most landscapers add 5–10% to account for settling, uneven ground, and slight measurement errors. If your area has low spots or you plan to mix materials, increase the buffer to 15%.
Can I use this for a circular bed or tree ring?
Yes. Switch the shape selector to circle and enter the radius in feet. The area is calculated as π × r², giving you the correct volume for round planters, tree rings, or curved borders.
What depth of mulch is typical?
Two to three inches is the standard recommendation for weed suppression and moisture retention. Going deeper than four inches can reduce oxygen to roots and encourage fungal issues, so the depth comparison bars cap at four inches as a practical upper limit.
How it's calculated
Area is computed from the shape: for a rectangle it is length × width; for a circle it is π × radius². Volume in cubic feet equals area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12, converting the depth from inches to feet. Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Cubic metres = cubic feet × 0.0283168. Estimated weight in short tons = cubic yards × material density (tons per cubic yard), where densities are taken from Inch Calculator (inchcalculator.com/gravel-calculator/) and CalculatorSoup (calculatorsoup.com cubic-yards-calculator): gravel 1.4, topsoil 1.1, sand 1.35, mulch 0.5. The depth comparison bars apply the same area to depths of 2, 3, and 4 inches using the same formula so you can compare ordering scenarios side by side.
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