Material Calculator — How Much Do You Need?
Enter your project dimensions to get an accurate estimate in cubic yards, tons, and truckloads. Then see real pricing for your ZIP code.
3. Enter Dimensions
Add your ZIP to see an estimated delivered price
Ready to Calculate
Enter your dimensions on the left to see your estimated material requirements.
How We Calculate Your Estimate
To find cubic yards, we first calculate the area of your project in square feet (Length × Width for rectangles). We then multiply that by your desired depth to get total cubic feet. Since there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, we divide the total by 27.
Weight is estimated by multiplying the total volume by the material's average density. Different materials weigh different amounts — a cubic yard of crushed concrete weighs more than a cubic yard of compost.
Finally, we add a standard 15% buffer. Bulk materials compress over time and settle once installed. Ordering slightly more ensures you aren't left short-handed halfway through your project.
Typical Quantities by Project
| Project Type | Typical Depth | Typical Area | Estimated Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| New lawn | 4-6 inches | 1,000 sq ft | 12-18 cubic yards |
| Garden bed | 6-8 inches | 100 sq ft | 2-3 cubic yards |
| Top dressing | 1-2 inches | 1,000 sq ft | 3-6 cubic yards |
| Driveway base | 4-6 inches | 500 sq ft | 6-10 cubic yards |
| Backfill / grading | 6-12 inches | Varies | Request a quote |