Mulch & Soil Calculator
Cubic yards and bags of mulch, topsoil, compost, or gravel for any bed — with the recommended depth per material and the cheaper buying mode for your job.
Landscaping materials are sold by the cubic yard in bulk and by the 2-cubic-foot bag in stores, and the right depth differs by material and purpose. This calculator converts your bed dimensions and depth into both, prices each way, and tells you which is cheaper for the job in front of you.
Use it alongside the Room Planner to lay out beds and the Renovation Budget for a full landscaping project. For seasonal timing, see the spring home maintenance checklist.
FAQ
- How much mulch do I need?
- Bed area × depth, converted to cubic yards (1 yard = 27 cubic feet) or 2-cubic-foot bags. Typical depths: 3 inches for mulch, 4 for topsoil, 2 for compost, and about 2.5 for gravel — the calculator snaps to these when you pick a material.
- Bulk delivery or bags?
- Bulk by the cubic yard almost always wins past about 3 yards once you factor the per-bag premium and the hauling. Bags win for small beds or when you can't take a bulk drop in the driveway. The tool shows both costs and flags the cheaper one.
- How often should I add mulch?
- Refresh mulch to its full depth once a year — it breaks down and thins out, and a thin layer stops suppressing weeds and holding moisture. Gravel and stone don't decompose, so they only need topping up when they migrate or sink.
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