Mulch & Soil Calculator

Formulas

Rectangular area:

Circular area:

Triangular area:

All dimensions are converted to the same unit before computing volume, then converted to cubic yards (imperial) or cubic meters (metric).

Recommended Depths

• Mulch: 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) — 3 inches is standard for weed suppression
• Topsoil: 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) — for new garden beds or lawn repair
• Compost: 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) — as amendment mixed into existing soil
• Gravel: 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) — for pathways and drainage
• Sand: 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) — for leveling or paver base
• River Rock: 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) — for decorative ground cover

Approximate Weights

• 1 cubic yard of mulch ≈ 400–800 lbs (varies by moisture)
• 1 cubic yard of topsoil ≈ 2,000–2,700 lbs
• 1 cubic yard of compost ≈ 1,000–1,600 lbs
• 1 cubic yard of gravel ≈ 2,800–3,400 lbs
• 1 cubic yard of sand ≈ 2,600–3,000 lbs

Buying Tips

• Bagged mulch/soil is sold in 2 cu ft bags; 1 cubic yard = 13.5 bags
• Bulk delivery is usually cheaper for orders over 3 cubic yards
• Add 5–10% extra to your estimate for settling and uneven coverage
• Refresh mulch annually; it decomposes and compresses over time

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