1. Select Material
⛏️
Gravel
~$45–65/cu yd
🌿
Mulch
~$30–50/cu yd
🏖️
Sand
~$35–55/cu yd
🌱
Topsoil
~$40–60/cu yd
🪨
Dec. Granite
~$50–70/cu yd
🧱
Crushed Stone
~$35–55/cu yd
2. Enter Coverage Area
Cubic Yards Needed
—cu yds
Tons
—
Coverage Area
—
sq ft
Est. Material Cost
—
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How to Calculate Gravel and Mulch
The formula converts your surface area and depth into cubic yards — the standard unit used by landscape suppliers. Bulk materials are ordered by the cubic yard (or ton), so knowing this number is how you order confidently.
// Cubic yards formula
Cu ft = Length × Width × (Depth in inches ÷ 12)
Cubic yards = Cu ft ÷ 27
// Weight estimate
Tons = Cubic yards × density factor
// Gravel ~1.35 t/cu yd · Mulch ~0.45 t/cu yd
Cu ft = Length × Width × (Depth in inches ÷ 12)
Cubic yards = Cu ft ÷ 27
// Weight estimate
Tons = Cubic yards × density factor
// Gravel ~1.35 t/cu yd · Mulch ~0.45 t/cu yd
Recommended Depth by Material and Use
| Material | Recommended Depth | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel (driveway base) | 4–6 inches | Compacted base layer under pavers or asphalt |
| Gravel (path / decorative) | 2–3 inches | Walkways, drainage beds, landscape borders |
| Mulch (weed suppression) | 3–4 inches | Around trees, shrubs, garden beds |
| Mulch (decorative) | 2–3 inches | Landscape paths, visible beds |
| Sand (paver base) | 1 inch | Leveling layer under pavers and flagstone |
| Topsoil (lawn repair) | 2–4 inches | Top-dressing or filling low spots |
| Topsoil (new garden bed) | 6–8 inches | New raised or in-ground planting beds |
| Decomposed granite | 3–4 inches | Paths, patios, xeriscaping |
Bags vs. Bulk: When to Order Which
| Situation | Buy Bagged | Order Bulk |
|---|---|---|
| Area under 5 cu yds | ✅ Usually easier | Possible but may have minimums |
| Area 5–10 cu yds | ⚠️ Gets expensive | ✅ Often cheaper, check minimums |
| Area over 10 cu yds | ❌ Very expensive | ✅ Always order bulk |
| No vehicle to haul | ✅ Easy to carry bags | ✅ Delivery available |
| One-time spot repair | ✅ No leftover bulk | ❌ Likely overkill |
A standard pickup truck (half-ton) can carry about 1 cubic yard of gravel — roughly 1.35 tons. Don't overload. Larger deliveries can be tipper-dumped directly where you need it, saving huge labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards of mulch do I need for a 10×20 ft bed at 3 inches deep?
10 × 20 × (3÷12) = 50 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards. Add 10% buffer and you need about 2 cubic yards. That's roughly 6–7 bags of 2-cubic-foot mulch bags, or a single small bulk delivery.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 2,700–2,900 lbs (1.35–1.45 tons), depending on the stone type and moisture content. Crushed limestone is on the heavier end; pea gravel is lighter. Always confirm with your supplier before ordering for vehicle or floor load calculations.
How many bags of mulch equal a cubic yard?
A standard bag of mulch is 2 cubic feet. One cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, so you need 13.5 bags (buy 14) per cubic yard. Bulk mulch almost always costs less per cubic yard than bagged — the breakeven is usually around 3–4 cubic yards.
Can I put gravel directly on dirt?
For most decorative or path applications, yes — though laying landscape fabric underneath dramatically reduces weed breakthrough and prevents the gravel from sinking into soft soil over time. For driveways, a compacted crushed stone base layer first, then the finish gravel on top, is strongly recommended for longevity.