Landscaping Calculators
Calculate mulch, topsoil, gravel, and landscaping material needs.
Landscaping projects transform outdoor spaces, but ordering the wrong amount of material can derail your timeline and budget. Our landscaping calculators help you determine precise quantities for mulch, topsoil, gravel, and other bulk materials. Bulk landscaping materials are sold by the cubic yard, which can be difficult to visualize. One cubic yard covers 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches, or 108 square feet at 3 inches. Our calculators do this math for you, converting your area and desired depth into the exact cubic yards needed. These tools also account for settling and waste, recommending slightly more material than the minimum calculation to ensure complete coverage. This prevents the frustrating situation of running short at the end of a project.
Available Calculators
Mulch Calculator
Free mulch calculator to estimate cubic yards needed for garden beds and landscaping. Calculate bags or bulk mulch required based on area and depth.
Use CalculatorTopsoil Calculator
Free topsoil calculator to estimate cubic yards and tons for lawns, gardens, and raised beds. Calculate bulk topsoil needed based on area and depth.
Use CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
How deep should mulch be applied?
Most garden beds need 2-4 inches of mulch. Apply 2 inches around shallow-rooted plants and perennials, 3-4 inches for trees and shrubs. Avoid piling mulch against plant stems.
How much does a cubic yard of mulch weigh?
Mulch typically weighs 400-800 pounds per cubic yard depending on moisture content and type. Dry wood mulch is lighter, while wet or rubber mulch is heavier.
What is the difference between topsoil and garden soil?
Topsoil is natural soil from the top layer of ground. Garden soil is topsoil amended with compost and nutrients. Use topsoil for filling and grading, garden soil for planting beds.