How much mulch do I need per square foot?

One cubic yard of mulch covers about 108 square feet at a 3 inch depth. At 2 inches it stretches to roughly 162 sq ft, and at 4 inches it covers about 81 sq ft. Measure your beds and pick a depth of 2-4 inches.

How deep should topsoil be for new garden beds?

Plan on 6-12 inches of topsoil for new planting beds. Vegetables and deep-rooted perennials do best toward 12 inches, while 6-8 inches is enough for most annuals and groundcovers.

How much does landscaping cost in 2026?

Installed planting beds typically run $4 to $12 per square foot in 2026, depending on plant density, materials, and region. Bulk materials alone are much cheaper: mulch runs $30-$60 per cubic yard and topsoil $20-$50 per cubic yard delivered.

How many cubic yards fit in a pickup truck?

A full-size pickup holds about 2-3 cubic yards of mulch level with the bed sides. For heavy materials like topsoil or gravel, limit loads to about 1 cubic yard to stay within payload ratings.

Should I use rock or mulch in my beds?

Rock lasts much longer and rarely needs replacement, making it good for low-maintenance areas. Organic mulch breaks down and must be refreshed annually, but it improves soil health, holds moisture, and keeps roots cooler.

Landscaping Calculator

Calculate how much mulch, topsoil, gravel, or sand you need for your landscaping project. Get results in cubic yards and bags.

Enter Your Dimensions

Area Length (ft)

Area Width (ft)

Depth (in)

Typical depth is 2-4 inches (5-10 cm)

Material Type

Related tools and guides

Visualize with AI

AI Landscape Design AI Garden Design AI Front Yard Design

Plan and estimate

Mulch Calculator Gravel Calculator Sod Calculator

Read before you build

Landscaping Cost Guide 2026 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas Mulch Cost Guide 2026

How to Calculate Landscaping Materials

Our landscaping calculator helps you determine the right amount of mulch, topsoil, gravel, or sand for your garden beds, pathways, and outdoor projects.

Common Material Depths

Mulch for garden beds: 2-4 inches
Gravel for paths: 2-3 inches
Gravel for driveways: 4-6 inches
Topsoil for lawns: 4-6 inches
Sand under pavers: 1 inch

Bulk vs Bagged

For projects requiring more than 3 cubic yards, bulk delivery is typically more cost-effective than bagged materials. Most landscape suppliers deliver in increments of 0.5 cubic yards.

Frequently asked questions

See What Your New Landscaping Could Look Like

Upload a photo and visualize your garden and landscape design with AI

Try AI Design Tool