Project Material Calculator
Calculate the exact amount of soil, gravel, mulch, or concrete needed for your project.
Topsoil (1.2 tons/yard³)
Gravel/Crushed Stone (1.4 tons/yard³)
Mulch (0.8 tons/yard³)
Concrete/Ready-Mix (2.0 tons/yard³)
Sand (1.5 tons/yard³)
Total Area:
0 sq ft
Total Volume:
0 cubic yards
Weight Required:
0 tons
Estimated Cost:
$0.00
How to Calculate Construction Materials
Whether you are landscaping a garden or pouring a concrete patio, knowing the exact volume and weight of your materials is crucial for budgeting and logistics. Ordering too little leads to project delays, while ordering too much results in wasted money and disposal issues.
The Core Calculation Formula
To find the volume of a rectangular area, use the following steps:
- Step 1: Multiply Length (ft) by Width (ft) to get the Square Footage.
- Step 2: Convert your Depth from inches to feet (Depth in inches / 12).
- Step 3: Multiply Square Footage by the Decimal Depth to get Cubic Feet.
- Step 4: Divide Cubic Feet by 27 to get Cubic Yards (the standard unit for bulk material).
Understanding Material Densities
Materials vary in weight based on their density. A cubic yard of mulch is significantly lighter than a cubic yard of gravel. Our calculator uses these industry-standard averages:
- Topsoil: Roughly 2,200 – 2,500 lbs per yard.
- Gravel: Heavily compacted, ranging from 2,600 – 3,000 lbs per yard.
- Mulch: Light and airy, usually around 600 – 1,000 lbs per yard.
Real-World Example
If you have a driveway that is 30 feet long and 10 feet wide, and you want to lay 3 inches of gravel:
- Area = 30 * 10 = 300 sq ft.
- Depth = 3 / 12 = 0.25 ft.
- Volume = 300 * 0.25 = 75 cubic feet.
- Cubic Yards = 75 / 27 = 2.78 yards³.
- With a 10% waste factor, you should order roughly 3.06 cubic yards.
Pro Tip: The Waste Factor
Always add a 10% waste buffer. This accounts for compaction (especially in soil and gravel), uneven subgrades, and spillage during the application process. It is much cheaper to have a small pile left over than to pay for a second delivery fee for a half-yard of material.