Gravel Soil Mulch Calculator (Cubic Yards)

Same rectangle as a slab, but you usually buy by the cubic yard or cubic metre. Depth is the loose thickness you want after spread.

Inputs

Units

Results

Volume: 55.00ft³
Volume: 2.037yd³

Recommended gear

Landscape fabric
Under gravel to slow mixing with soil.
Typical range: $20–$60
Plate compactor
Compact gravel bases before pavers or a shed pad.
Typical range: $150–$400

Calculation method

A 20×10 ft bed 3 in deep is 50 ft³ (1.85 yd³) before waste. Ten percent extra covers irregular edges and compaction. Metric mode reports m³ of the same pile.

Exact formula

cu ft = L × W × (depth_in / 12) × (1 + waste/100). cu yd = cu ft / 27.

Irregular beds

Split a kidney-shaped bed into rectangles and add the volumes, or average width × length.

Frequently asked questions

How deep should mulch be?

2–3 in (50–75 mm) is typical. Deeper mulch can smother plants.

Gravel for a driveway?

Use several inches and compact in lifts. This rectangle is the volume, not a pavement design.

Cubic yards vs tons?

Yards are volume. Tons need bulk density (often 1.2–1.7 t/yd³ for gravel). This tool stays on volume.

Disclaimer — no professional advice, no liability

Bulk density and compaction change how far a truck load goes. Mulch settles; gravel less so. Order a little extra.

These calculators, pages and any related content are provided “as is” and “as available”, solely for general educational and informational purposes. They are simplified mathematical estimates, not a construction drawing, cut list or material takeoff, and they do not constitute engineering, architectural, structural, building-code or other professional advice.

Results can be wrong, incomplete or inapplicable to your lumber, moisture content, species, fasteners, climate, codes or use case. You must independently verify every figure, assume all risk, and have a licensed contractor, carpenter or structural engineer review any purchase or installation before you act on it.

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