Garden Soil & Mulch Calculator

Calculate exactly how much mulch, topsoil, or compost you need for any garden project

📐

Area Measurements

3 inches is ideal for:
  • Weed suppression
  • Moisture retention
  • Temperature regulation
🌱

Material Selection

Choose Your Material

Mulch
Wood chips, bark
Topsoil
Garden soil
Compost
Organic matter
Gravel
Stone, pea gravel

Complete Guide to Mulch & Soil Calculation

Getting the right amount of material is crucial for your garden's success and your budget. Too little leaves gaps, too much wastes money.

📏 Recommended Depths by Project

Mulch (weed control) 2-3 inches
Mulch (moisture retention) 3-4 inches
New flower beds 6-8 inches
Vegetable gardens 8-12 inches
Lawn top dressing 0.5-1 inch
Pathway gravel 2-3 inches

🚚 Bulk vs. Bagged: When to Choose

Choose Bulk When:

  • Covering more than 3 cubic yards
  • You have truck/trailer access
  • Doing large landscaping projects
  • Want to save 40-60% on cost

Choose Bagged When:

  • Small areas under 2 cubic yards
  • No delivery access
  • Spreading over multiple weekends
  • Need specific colored mulch

🌿 Material Weight Guide

Important for transport and handling:

Mulch (dry) 400-800 lbs/yd³
Topsoil (dry) 2,000 lbs/yd³
Compost 1,200 lbs/yd³
Gravel 2,800 lbs/yd³
⚠️ Wet materials can weigh 50% more!

💡 Money-Saving Tips

  • Many municipalities offer free mulch from tree services
  • Buy in spring/fall for better prices
  • Split bulk deliveries with neighbors
  • Use newspapers under mulch to extend coverage
  • Consider wood chips from local arborists

🧮 The Math Behind the Calculator

Formula: Area (sq ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
Example: 100 sq ft × 0.25 ft (3 inches) ÷ 27 = 0.93 cubic yards