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Gravel & Mulch Calculator
Gravel & Mulch Calculator
Material Calculators

Gravel & Mulch Calculator

Calculate cubic yards and tons of gravel, mulch, sand, or topsoil.

DIY difficulty

EasyTypical time: Half a day
  • ›Mostly physical labor — shoveling and spreading
  • ›Getting the depth consistent takes a bit of care

Must-have tools

WheelbarrowLandscape rakeShovelWork gloves

How to calculate gravel, mulch, or sand by the yard

  1. Measure the area length and width in feet. For irregular shapes, break it into rectangles and add the results.

  2. Enter the desired depth in inches. Decorative gravel is typically 2–3 inches deep; drainage gravel needs 4–6 inches.

  3. Select your material type. Density varies — pea gravel and crushed stone weigh more per cubic yard than mulch or topsoil.

  4. Read cubic yards for ordering from a landscape supplier, and tons for delivery pricing (most trucks quote by the ton).

Common uses

  • Ordering landscape gravel for a driveway or walkway
  • Calculating mulch for garden beds
  • Estimating fill sand or topsoil for a yard leveling project

Frequently asked questions

How many cubic yards of gravel do I need for a 10×20 area at 3 inches deep?
A 10×20-foot area at 3 inches deep needs about 1.85 cubic yards of gravel, which is roughly 2.8 tons of standard crushed stone.
How deep should I lay mulch?
Two to three inches is the sweet spot. Thicker than that can suffocate plant roots and invite fungal problems; thinner than 2 inches won't suppress weeds effectively.
What's the difference between cubic yards and tons?
Cubic yards measure volume; tons measure weight. Landscape suppliers often quote both. Gravel runs about 1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard; mulch is much lighter at about 0.4 tons per cubic yard.
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
It depends on the material. Crushed stone and gravel are about 1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel runs about 1.35 tons. Mulch is much lighter at 0.4–0.6 tons per cubic yard.
How deep should gravel be under a patio or walkway?
For a stable base under pavers, use 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base. For a decorative gravel surface, 2–3 inches is standard. Drainage beds need a minimum of 6 inches of clean angular stone.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • ✕Confusing cubic yards (volume) with tons (weight) — suppliers often quote by the ton. Use the calculator's ton estimate for delivery quotes.
  • ✕Not accounting for compaction — compacted gravel settles 10–15% after installation. Order for slightly more than your target depth.
  • ✕Forgetting landscape fabric under decorative gravel — without a weed barrier, weeds grow through within one season.
  • ✕Wrong material for drainage — round pea gravel doesn't drain efficiently. Use angular crushed stone (#57 or #2) for drainage beds.

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Not sure whether to DIY this project?

Read our project-by-project guide on when to hire a contractor vs. do it yourself.

Read the guide →

About this calculator

Enter your area dimensions and desired depth to calculate cubic yards, cubic feet, and weight in tons. Supports gravel, pea gravel, mulch, sand, and topsoil with built-in density values.

All results are estimates. Verify quantities with your local supplier and confirm measurements before purchasing materials. Requirements vary by region and project type.

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