CalcArcade.

Mulch and Gravel Calculator

Enter the length, width and depth of the area, and choose the material. You get the volume in cubic yards, cubic feet and cubic meters, and a rough weight if you pick a material.

Your numbers

Result

How we calculate it

The volume is length × width × depth, with the depth turned into the same unit as the length. One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, and one cubic foot is 0.028316846592 cubic meters. Weight is volume times a typical bulk density.

A 10 by 10 foot bed covered to a depth of 3 inches is 100 × 0.25 = 25 cubic feet, which is 0.93 cubic yards. Gravel at about 1,600 kg per cubic meter would weigh about 1,133 kg, or 2,497 lb.

Assumptions and limits

  • The densities are typical values only. The real weight varies a lot with the type of stone or bark, and with how wet it is, so ask your supplier for the weight per yard of what you are buying.
  • Material settles and compacts, so many people order a little extra. Add 5 to 10% if you want a margin.
  • The calculator treats the area as one rectangle. For irregular beds, split them up or use the area calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How many cubic yards of mulch do I need?

Multiply length by width by depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. A 10 by 10 foot bed at 3 inches deep needs 25 cubic feet, which is about 0.93 cubic yards.

How deep should mulch or gravel be?

It depends on the use. Garden mulch is often spread a few inches deep, and gravel paths and driveways need more. Check the advice for your project or ask your supplier.

How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?

Roughly 1.3 to 1.5 tons, but it varies by stone type and moisture. Check with the supplier before you rely on it for a trailer or truck load.

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Worked example (a fixed example using the starting numbers, it does not change as you type)

Inputs: Units = US (feet and inches); Length (feet or meters) = 10; Width (feet or meters) = 10; Depth (inches or centimeters) = 3; Material (for the weight) = Gravel (about 1,600 kg per cubic meter).

  • Area 100.0 sq ft
  • Volume (cubic yards) 0.93 yd³
  • Volume (cubic feet) 25.0 ft³
  • Volume (cubic meters) 0.71 m³
  • Approximate weight (lb) 2,497 lb
  • Approximate weight (kg) 1,133 kg

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Last reviewed: . Formulas and assumptions are described on our methodology page. For information only; not professional advice.