π± Area Coverage Calculator
Rectangular
Circular
Triangular
Coverage Visualization
Visual representation of material depth
π How to Use This Calculator
Select Your Measurement Units
Choose between imperial (feet) or metric (meters) units based on your preference.
Choose Your Material
Select the material you're working with to get specific information about weight and coverage.
Select the Area Shape
Choose rectangular, circular, or triangular based on your project area.
Enter Dimensions
Input the required measurements for your selected shape.
Adjust Depth
Use the slider to set your desired material depth.
Get Your Results
Click "Calculate Coverage" to see how much material you need.
Pro Tip
For irregular areas, break them into simple shapes (rectangles, circles, triangles), calculate each separately, and add the results together.
π Material Information
Recommended Depths
| Material | Recommended Depth | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Mulch | 2-4 inches | Flower beds, around trees |
| Gravel | 2-3 inches | Pathways, driveways |
| Soil | 4-6 inches | Garden beds, lawn repair |
| Sand | 1-2 inches | Paver base, playground |
| Compost | 1-3 inches | Garden amendment, top dressing |
Material Weights
- Mulch: 400-800 lbs per cubic yard
- Gravel: 2,800 lbs per cubic yard
- Soil: 2,200 lbs per cubic yard
- Sand: 2,600 lbs per cubic yard
- Compost: 1,000 lbs per cubic yard
Coverage Per Cubic Yard
- At 1" depth: 324 sq ft
- At 2" depth: 162 sq ft
- At 3" depth: 108 sq ft
- At 4" depth: 81 sq ft
- At 6" depth: 54 sq ft
Delivery Information
Most suppliers have a minimum delivery amount of 3-5 cubic yards. For smaller projects, consider pickup options or bagged materials.
π Coverage Formulas
Area Calculation Formulas
- Rectangular Area: Length Γ Width
- Circular Area: Ο Γ (Diameter Γ· 2)Β²
- Triangular Area: (Base Γ Height) Γ· 2
Volume Calculation
- Volume (cubic feet): Area (sq ft) Γ Depth (ft)
- Volume (cubic yards): Volume (cubic feet) Γ· 27
- Converting inches to feet: Inches Γ· 12
Coverage Formula
To calculate how many cubic yards you need:
Cubic Yards = (Area in square feet Γ Depth in inches) Γ· 324
This formula accounts for the conversion from inches to feet (Γ·12) and from cubic feet to cubic yards (Γ·27).
π Material Ordering Tips
How Much to Order
- Add a Buffer: Order 10-15% more material than calculated to account for settling, uneven ground, and spillage.
- Consider Compaction: Some materials like soil and mulch will compact over time, reducing the effective depth.
- Delivery Minimums: Check with suppliers about minimum delivery amounts, typically 3-5 cubic yards.
- Bagged Options: For small projects, calculate how many bags you'll need (typically 0.5-2 cubic feet per bag).
Application Tips
- Mulch: Apply 2-4 inches for effective weed suppression and moisture retention. Refresh annually with 1-2 inches.
- Gravel: Use landscape fabric underneath to prevent weeds and sinking. Compact base materials before adding decorative stone.
- Soil: Test existing soil before adding amendments. Mix new soil thoroughly with existing soil for best results.
- Compost: As a soil amendment, mix 2-3 inches of compost into the top 6 inches of soil. For top dressing, apply ΒΌ to Β½ inch.
Important Note
When ordering materials by weight (tons), be aware that the conversion between cubic yards and tons varies by material density. Always confirm with your supplier if you're unsure.
β Frequently Asked Questions
The coverage area depends on the depth of application:
- At 1 inch deep: 324 square feet
- At 2 inches deep: 162 square feet
- At 3 inches deep: 108 square feet
- At 4 inches deep: 81 square feet
- At 6 inches deep: 54 square feet
Formula: Coverage in square feet = (27 Γ 12) Γ· depth in inches
Standard bags of mulch typically contain 2 cubic feet of material. To calculate how many bags you need:
- Calculate the cubic feet needed: (Area in square feet Γ Depth in inches) Γ· 12
- Divide by the bag size: Cubic feet Γ· 2
For example, if you need 10 cubic feet of mulch, you would need 5 standard bags (10 Γ· 2 = 5).
Recommended depths vary by material and application:
- Mulch: 2-4 inches for new beds, 1-2 inches for maintenance
- Gravel (decorative): 2-3 inches
- Gravel (driveways): 4-6 inches, often in layers
- Topsoil: 4-6 inches for new beds
- Sand (paver base): 1 inch
- Compost (soil amendment): 2-3 inches mixed into soil
- Compost (top dressing): ΒΌ to Β½ inch
The conversion depends on the material density:
- Mulch: 1 cubic yard β 0.2-0.4 tons
- Gravel: 1 cubic yard β 1.4 tons
- Soil: 1 cubic yard β 1.1 tons
- Sand: 1 cubic yard β 1.3 tons
- Compost: 1 cubic yard β 0.5 tons
To convert: Tons = Cubic Yards Γ Material Density (tons per cubic yard)
For irregular areas:
- Break the area into simple shapes (rectangles, circles, triangles)
- Calculate the area of each shape separately
- Add all the areas together to get the total area
- Calculate the volume based on the total area and desired depth
For very irregular shapes, consider dividing the area into a grid and estimating each section.