Landscaping Calculators
Bulk landscape materials use cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324. A 20 × 5 ft bed at 3 in deep needs 0.93 cu yd of mulch, about 14 bags of 2 cu ft. Gravel and topsoil are often sold by the ton, so the tools below convert by weight too.
Mulch Calculator
Cubic yards or bags of mulch for garden beds.
Gravel Calculator
Tons and cubic yards of gravel, crushed stone or road base.
Topsoil Calculator
Cubic yards, tons and bags of topsoil or garden soil.
Sod Calculator
Square feet, slabs or rolls and pallets of sod.
Retaining Wall Block Calculator
Wall blocks, courses and caps for a garden retaining wall.
Bulk yard materials
Landscape suppliers sell loose materials by the cubic yard or by the ton, while garden centers sell bags of 0.75 to 3 cubic feet. The calculators here convert a bed or lawn size into all of those units. Depth is the input people most often get wrong: two inches of mulch and four inches of soil are typical, and gravel driveways may need eight or more inches in layers. Remember that loose material settles after rain.
Which calculator do I need?
- Mulch: shredded bark or wood chips for planting beds and tree rings.
- Gravel: driveways, paths, drainage and shed bases, priced by the ton.
- Topsoil: leveling low spots, building raised beds or preparing for seed.
- Sod: instant lawns, ordered by pallet after the soil is ready.
- Retaining wall block: dry-stacked garden walls and terraces, including caps.
Before you buy
Measure beds after edging them so the shape is final. Ask the yard whether its prices include delivery and whether the truck can reach your drop spot without damaging the lawn. Spread a tarp under deliveries for easier cleanup. Lay sod on the day it arrives and water within half an hour. For walls, stake out the line and check grades before digging the base trench.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should mulch be?
Two to three inches for most beds, kept away from trunks and stems.
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
Roughly 1.3 to 1.5 tons, depending on the stone and moisture.
Is bulk cheaper than bags?
Usually once you need more than two or three cubic yards.
Do I need to call 811?
Yes, before digging for walls, edging or posts, so buried utilities are marked.