Free Mulch & Gravel Calculator
Calculate cubic yards of mulch, gravel, or soil for landscaping. Estimates bags needed and total material cost by area and depth.
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Material Needed
1.85 cubic yards
2 cu ft Bags
25
Estimated Cost
$65
Formula
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in feet) ÷ 27 | Bags (2 cu ft) = Cubic Feet ÷ 2How to Calculate Mulch, Gravel, or Soil Needed
Whether you're refreshing garden beds, building a gravel path, or laying a new topsoil base, knowing the exact amount of material prevents wasted money and extra trips. This calculator takes your area dimensions and desired depth, then converts to cubic yards (the standard bulk ordering unit) and estimates the number of bags for smaller projects.
The math is the same for mulch, gravel, topsoil, and decorative stone — length × width × depth gives you cubic feet, divided by 27 for cubic yards. The key difference is weight and cost per yard, which varies significantly between materials.
Coverage Quick Reference
Here's how much area one cubic yard covers at different depths:
- 2 inches deep — covers 162 square feet per cubic yard
- 3 inches deep — covers 108 square feet per cubic yard
- 4 inches deep — covers 81 square feet per cubic yard
- 6 inches deep — covers 54 square feet per cubic yard
Mulch vs. Gravel: Choosing the Right Material
Organic mulch (wood chips, bark, straw) breaks down over 1-3 years, adding nutrients to your soil. It's ideal for flower beds, around trees, and in vegetable gardens. You'll need to refresh it annually. Cost: $25-$50 per cubic yard bulk.
Gravel and stone (pea gravel, river rock, crushed stone) lasts indefinitely and works best for pathways, drainage areas, driveways, and xeriscaping. It doesn't attract pests or decompose. Cost: $35-$75 per cubic yard bulk, depending on type.
Topsoil is used for leveling lawns, filling raised beds, and garden prep. Look for screened topsoil for the best quality. Cost: $20-$40 per cubic yard bulk.
Ordering and Delivery Tips
Most landscape suppliers have a minimum delivery of 2-3 cubic yards, with delivery fees of $50-$100. If you need less than 2 yards, bags from a home improvement store may be more practical despite the higher per-yard cost. When ordering bulk, have a flat area (driveway or tarp on the lawn) ready for the dump truck. One cubic yard of mulch fills roughly a 3×3×3 foot pile — bigger than most people expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much mulch do I need for my flower beds?
Measure the length and width of each bed in feet, then choose your depth (2-3 inches for refreshing existing mulch, 3-4 inches for new beds). A 10×20 foot bed at 3 inches deep needs about 1.85 cubic yards. One cubic yard covers roughly 100 sqft at 3 inches deep.
How deep should I apply mulch?
Apply 2-3 inches for most landscaping beds. Use 3-4 inches for weed suppression in new beds. Never exceed 4 inches — too much mulch traps moisture against plant stems and tree trunks, causing rot. Keep mulch 3-6 inches away from tree trunks and plant bases.
Should I buy mulch in bags or bulk?
Bags (typically 2 cubic feet) are convenient for small areas — a few flower beds or touch-ups. But they cost $4-$7 per bag ($54-$95 per cubic yard). Bulk delivery runs $25-$50 per cubic yard, saving 40-60%. Bulk makes sense for anything over 3-4 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of mulch weigh?
Wood mulch weighs 400-800 pounds per cubic yard depending on moisture content. Gravel weighs 2,400-2,800 pounds (1.2-1.4 tons) per cubic yard. Topsoil weighs about 2,000-2,600 pounds per cubic yard. Know the weight before delivery to ensure your driveway or staging area can handle it.
What type of mulch is best for landscaping?
Hardwood mulch lasts 1-2 years and is great for flower beds. Cedar mulch repels insects naturally. Pine bark nuggets work well on slopes (they don't wash away easily). Rubber mulch lasts 10+ years for playgrounds. For vegetable gardens, use straw or untreated wood chips.