Coverage Guide by Material & Depth
Coverage area per cubic yard at standard depths. Use these as quick reference when planning your landscape project.
| Material | Depth | Coverage (1 cu yd) | Cost per cu yd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | 3 inches | 108 sq ft | $25–$45 |
| Topsoil | 4 inches | 81 sq ft | $20–$55 |
| Gravel | 2 inches | 162 sq ft | $30–$65 |
| Sand | 2 inches | 162 sq ft | $15–$35 |
| Compost | 3 inches | 108 sq ft | $30–$60 |
Frequently Asked Questions
To calculate mulch needed: multiply your bed area (sq ft) by the desired depth in inches, then divide by 324 to get cubic yards. For example, 500 sq ft at 3 inches deep = (500 × 3) / 324 = 4.6 cubic yards. Most bags are 2 cubic feet, so 1 cubic yard = about 13.5 bags.
For new garden beds, 6 inches of topsoil is recommended. For topdressing lawns, 1/4 to 1/2 inch is typical. Calculate: (area sq ft × depth inches) / 324 = cubic yards needed. A cubic yard of topsoil weighs approximately 1,200–1,700 lbs.
A standard bag of mulch is 2 cubic feet. There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, so you need approximately 13.5 bags per cubic yard. Round up to 14 bags to be safe. Bulk mulch by the cubic yard is typically cheaper than bagged mulch for large projects.
For most landscaping purposes, 2–3 inches of mulch is ideal. Less than 2 inches won't suppress weeds effectively. More than 4 inches can prevent water and air from reaching roots. Keep mulch 2–3 inches away from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot.
For a gravel path or driveway, calculate: length × width × depth (all in feet) ÷ 27 = cubic yards. For a 2-inch deep path, use 2/12 = 0.167 feet for depth. Gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Add 10% extra for settling and loss.
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. Bulk landscape materials like mulch, topsoil, and gravel are sold by the cubic yard. Bagged products are typically 1 or 2 cubic feet. Always add 5–10% extra to your calculation to account for settling, uneven spreading, and waste.