Landscaping & Yard calculators
Topsoil, gravel, mulch, pavers and sod for yard projects.
- Topsoil & Dirt CalculatorCalculate how much topsoil, fill dirt, garden soil or compost you need: cubic yards, tons, number of bags and cost of bulk delivery vs. bags.20 × 15 ft lawn, 4 in → 4.1 yd³
- Gravel CalculatorCalculate gravel in cubic yards and tons for pea gravel, #57 crushed stone, crusher run base or river rock, plus bags and bulk vs. bagged cost.20 × 10 ft, 3 in pea gravel → 1.85 yd³ ≈ 2.4-3 tons
- Mulch CalculatorHow much mulch do you need? Get cubic yards, cubic feet and bags for beds and tree rings, subtract existing mulch, and compare bulk delivery with bags.20 × 10 ft bed, 3 in → 1.85 yd³
About these calculators
Topsoil, gravel and mulch are all ordered by volume. The topsoil & dirt, gravel and mulch calculators turn the area and depth of a lawn, bed, path or driveway into cubic yards and the number of bags, add an approximate weight in tons for soil and stone, and compare bulk delivery with bags at your own prices.
How to measure
Measure length and width in feet and the depth you want to add in inches. Split L-shaped or curved areas into rectangles and circles and add the results. As a quick check, one cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep. For mulch, push a ruler down to the soil in a few spots to see how much is already there.
Before you start
- The weight of a yard varies with the material and its moisture, so order by your supplier's weight per yard, and check the volume printed on the bag you buy.
- Bags often win on small jobs because there is no delivery fee. Bulk is cheaper per yard but usually comes in half-yard steps.
- Around trees, Penn State Extension recommends a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch and no more. Order only the difference between that and the depth already there.
- Before adding topsoil, clear debris, stones and weeds, and grade the new soil away from the house.