Mulch, Gravel & Soil Calculator
Figure out how much mulch, gravel, topsoil, compost or sand to order. Enter the area and depth to get cubic yards for bulk delivery, the number of bags, and the approximate weight.
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How to calculate mulch or gravel
- Measure the bed or area in feet, or enter the total square footage if you already know it (use our square footage calculator for odd shapes).
- Enter the depth you want. Mulch beds are usually 2–3 inches, gravel paths 2–4 inches and driveways 4–6 inches.
- Choose the material and bag size to see cubic yards for bulk delivery, the number of bags, and the approximate weight.
How deep should mulch and gravel be?
For mulch, 2–3 inches is the sweet spot: enough to suppress weeds and hold moisture, but not so deep that it smothers roots. Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and plant stems. Topping up an existing bed usually needs only 1 inch. Gravel paths need 2–3 inches of stone over a compacted base, and gravel driveways 4–6 inches.
Bulk material is sold by the cubic yard (27 cubic feet). One cubic yard covers about 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 162 square feet at 2 inches. Bagged mulch typically comes in 2 cubic foot bags, so 13.5 bags equal one yard. Once you need more than a couple of yards, bulk delivery is usually much cheaper per yard than bags.
Weights are approximate because they depend on moisture and particle size: crushed stone weighs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard and dry topsoil about 1 ton, while mulch is far lighter. Suppliers selling by the ton can convert using these figures, and a little extra is always better than a second delivery fee.
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Frequently asked questions
How many bags of mulch are in a yard?
13.5 bags of 2 cubic feet, 9 bags of 3 cubic feet, or 27 bags of 1 cubic foot.
How much area does a yard of mulch cover?
About 162 sq ft at 2 inches, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, and 81 sq ft at 4 inches.
How many tons of gravel do I need?
Multiply cubic yards by about 1.4 for crushed stone. The calculator shows the estimate when you choose gravel.
Should I add extra?
Yes, about 5–10% for settling and uneven ground, especially with mulch, which compacts over time.