How we calculate
Volume
- Rectangle area = length × width. Circle area = π × (diameter ÷ 2)². Triangle area = ½ × base × height.
- All lengths are converted to feet first (1 in = 1/12 ft, 1 yd = 3 ft, 1 m = 3.2808 ft, 1 cm = 0.032808 ft).
- Volume (cu ft) = total area (sq ft) × depth (ft). Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Cubic metres = cubic feet ÷ 35.3147.
- Post holes: the cross-section of a square post (width × width) times the hole depth is subtracted from each hole.
- The extra percentage you choose (waste, settling or compaction) is added to the volume.
Shopping figures
- Bulk orders are rounded up to the next half cubic yard, since most suppliers sell in half-yard steps. Concrete is rounded to the next quarter yard.
- Bag counts are rounded up to whole bags.
- Wheelbarrow loads assume about 5 cu ft per load.
- Pickup trips assume a typical half-ton pickup: about 1,500 lb payload and about 2 cubic yards of bed space, whichever limit is reached first. Check your own vehicle's payload rating.
- Cost totals use only the prices you enter. We do not show store prices, because they vary by region and change often.
Material weights
Weights are typical figures for loose material as delivered, in US short tons (2,000 lb) per cubic yard. Moisture, stone type and grading all change them, so treat weights as estimates and use your supplier's figure when you order by the ton.
| Material | Typical range (tons/yd³) | Value used |
|---|---|---|
| Mulch | 0.2 to 0.5 | 0.35 |
| Gravel | 1.3 to 1.5 | 1.4 |
| Pea gravel | 1.3 to 1.5 | 1.4 |
| Crushed stone | 1.3 to 1.6 | 1.4 |
| River rock | 1.3 to 1.5 | 1.4 |
| Decomposed granite | 1.3 to 1.5 | 1.4 |
| Topsoil | 1 to 1.4 | 1.1 |
| Compost | 0.4 to 0.7 | 0.5 |
| Sand | 1.3 to 1.7 | 1.4 |
| Concrete | 1.9 to 2.1 | 2 |
| Fill dirt | 1 to 1.4 | 1.2 |
| Raised bed soil | 0.7 to 1 | 0.85 |
Bag yields
Bagged landscape products are labelled by volume (cubic feet). Bagged concrete is labelled by weight; we use the typical yields printed on common US mixes: 0.30 cu ft for a 40 lb bag, 0.45 cu ft for 60 lb and 0.60 cu ft for 80 lb. Some brands and fast-setting mixes yield slightly less, so check the bag.
Sources
- NIST: conversions between US customary and metric units (1 yd = 0.9144 m exactly, so 1 cu yd = 0.7646 m³).
- Quikrete Concrete Mix (No. 1101) data sheet: an 80 lb bag yields about 0.60 cu ft.
- University of Illinois Extension, Rutgers NJAES and University of Maryland Extension: mulch depth (2 to 3 in) and keeping mulch off tree trunks.
- Material weights: typical loose weights published by US landscape suppliers. They vary by quarry and moisture, so each page shows a range.
Updates
Figures were last reviewed on 2026-11-11. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will check and correct it.
These calculators give estimates for planning and shopping. They are not engineering advice. For structural work such as footings, follow your local building code.