Gravel & Mulch Calculator
Calculate cubic yards and tons of gravel or garden mulch.
This gravel calculator (and mulch calculator) determines how many cubic yards or tons of gravel or mulch you need for a landscaping area, from its length, width, and desired depth.
Enter your area's length, width, and depth, and the calculator returns the cubic yards and tons needed.
Worked Calculation Examples
| Scenario | Result | Calculation Step |
|---|---|---|
| 10 ft × 10 ft area, 3 in (0.25 ft) deep gravel | ≈0.93 yd³ ≈1.3 tons | Volume = 10 × 10 × 0.25 = 25 ft³. Cubic yards = 25 ÷ 27 ≈ 0.93 yd³. Tons = 0.93 × 1.4 ≈ 1.3 tons. |
| 20 ft × 15 ft area, 4 in (0.33 ft) deep mulch | ≈3.67 yd³ ≈1.28 tons | Volume = 20 × 15 × 0.33 = 99 ft³. Cubic yards = 99 ÷ 27 ≈ 3.67 yd³. Tons = 3.67 × 0.35 ≈ 1.28 tons. |
Calculating Gravel or Mulch Volume
Multiply length x width x depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards - the standard unit gravel and mulch suppliers sell by. A 10 ft x 10 ft area at 3 inches (0.25 ft) deep needs 25 cubic feet, or about 0.93 cubic yards. Materials like gravel and mulch are sold by volume rather than weight because their density varies significantly by material and moisture content, so cubic yards - not tons or pounds - remains the standard ordering unit landscaping suppliers use to keep pricing consistent regardless of a specific load's exact weight.
Converting Cubic Yards to Tons for Gravel
Gravel weighs roughly 1.4-1.5 tons per cubic yard depending on the material, while mulch is much lighter, at roughly 0.3-0.4 tons per cubic yard - this is why gravel is typically sold and priced by weight (tons), while mulch is usually sold by volume (cubic yards or bags).
How to Use the Gravel & Mulch Calculator
- Open the Gravel & Mulch Calculator and enter the values requested in the input fields.
- Check the units, percentages, dates, or time periods before reading the answer.
- Review the instant result and adjust any value to compare another scenario.
- Use the formula, example, and FAQs below to understand how the gravel calculator works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards of gravel or mulch do I need for my garden bed?
Multiply length x width x depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards, the standard unit these materials are sold in.
How do I convert cubic yards of gravel to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by approximately 1.4-1.5 (tons per cubic yard for typical gravel), since density varies slightly by gravel type.
How much mulch or gravel should I order for waste?
Most landscaping estimates add a small buffer (around 5-10%) beyond the calculated volume to account for uneven ground and settling over time.
How do I use this gravel calculator?
Enter the known values, review the units or settings, and the calculator updates the result instantly. The formula and example on this page show how the answer is produced.
What does the Gravel & Mulch Calculator calculate?
Calculate cubic yards and tons of gravel or garden mulch. It is designed for fast browser-based calculations without sign-up, downloads, or manual spreadsheet setup.
What formula does this gravel & mulch use?
The formula is: Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in ft) ÷ 27; Tons = Cubic Yards × Material Density. Length, Width, and Depth are all measured in feet, giving cubic feet when multiplied together; dividing by 27 converts to cubic yards, the standard unit these materials are sold in. Material Density (tons per cubic yard) varies by material - roughly 1.4-1.5 for gravel and 0.3-0.4 for mulch - since gravel is far denser than shredded wood.
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Last updated: September 29, 2026.