Mulch / Landscape Material Calculator
Calculate cubic yards of mulch, gravel, topsoil, or sand. Compares bag-vs-bulk pricing and coverage at different depths.
LIFESTYLECalculate cubic yards of mulch, gravel, topsoil, sand, or decorative rock you need for a landscape project. Includes bag-vs-bulk pricing comparison and coverage at standard depths.
Cubic yards = (length × width × depth) / 27 with everything in feet. A 10 × 20 ft bed at 3 in deep needs (10 × 20 × 0.25) / 27 = 1.85 cubic yards. Order 10% extra. Bag vs bulk: 27 cu ft per yard means 13.5 bags at 2 cu ft each. Bulk delivery saves 30-50% per yard but requires a truck or driveway pile.
Mulch / Landscape Material Calculator
Calculate cubic yards of mulch, gravel, topsoil, or sand you need for a project. Includes bag-vs-bulk pricing and coverage estimates at different depths.
How Mulch and Landscape Material Math Works
Cubic yards = (length × width × depth) / 27, with everything in feet. Since depth is usually given in inches, divide by 12 first. A 10 ft × 20 ft bed at 3 inches deep needs (10 × 20 × 0.25) / 27 = 1.85 cubic yards. Always order 10% extra to account for settling and uneven ground.
Mulch comes in 2 cu ft bags (typical big-box) or 3 cu ft bags (premium). 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet = 13.5 bags at 2 cu ft each, or 9 bags at 3 cu ft. Bulk delivery saves 30-50% per yard but requires a truck or you to shovel from a driveway pile. Most landscapers charge a $40-80 delivery fee for under 10 yards.
Recommended depths: shredded hardwood mulch 2-3 inches in beds, 3-4 around trees (avoid mulch volcanoes touching the trunk). Pea gravel paths 2 inches over landscape fabric. Driveway gravel base 4-6 inches. Topsoil for new lawns 2 inches minimum; existing lawn top-dress 0.25-0.5 inches. Sand under pavers 1 inch.
Estimates assume level ground. Slope or uneven terrain may require 10-20% more. Always confirm volume with your supplier before delivery.