Landscape Material Calculators

Q: How do I calculate square footage?

Square footage is calculated by multiplying the length (in feet) by the width (in feet). Example: 10 ft × 10 ft = 100 sq ft.

Q: How big is a cubic yard?

One cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft, or 27 cubic feet. It fills a space about the size of a standard washing machine.

Q: How heavy is a cubic yard vs ton?

It depends on the material. A cubic yard of mulch weighs about 600 lbs, while gravel or rock can weigh over 2,400 lbs (more than 1 ton).

Q: How many tons in a cubic yard?

Mulch: ~0.35 tons/yard, Soil: ~1.1 tons/yard, Gravel or Rock: ~1.3–1.5 tons/yard depending on moisture and compaction.

Q: How do I figure how much I need?

Use our Square Foot Calculator by entering your project dimensions and material type. It converts into cubic yards and tons for you.

Quickly estimate your landscaping material needs with our free online calculators. Whether you're planning a backyard project in Napa, refreshing mulch in Novato, or installing gravel in Sonoma, our tools help you determine how much material to order—saving you time, money, and extra trips.

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Calculator Types

Square Foot

Use this tool to estimate how much material you’ll need based on the square footage of your project area. Perfect for mulch, bark, soil, or DG coverage across garden beds, pathways, or open areas in Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties.

Area Calculator

Cubic Yard or Ton

Calculate how many cubic yards or tons of material you need based on the square footage of your project. This is ideal for bulk gravel, sand, rock, and soil deliveries—especially when ordering 5+ tons locally within the North Bay region.

Volume vs Weight

Price Estimator

Get an estimated delivery cost based on your distance and the amount of material needed. Designed for North Bay homeowners and contractors looking for transparent pricing before submitting a quote request. You may also text us with your delivery address.

Cost Esimator

Disclaimer

Please Note: Our calculator tools are provided for general estimation purposes only and do not guarantee exact quantities. Material needs can vary due to factors like compaction, settling, terrain irregularities, cutting waste, and handling methods. We recommend rounding up your order slightly and consulting with a professional if you are unsure.

North Bay Materials is not liable for overages or shortages based on these tools and user inputs. For the most accurate recommendations, consult with a certified installer directly if you’re planning a delivery to Napa, Sonoma, Marin, Solano, or surrounding North Bay areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

"How do I measure an area?"

Use a tape measure to get the length and width of your space in feet. Multiply them together to get the total square footage.

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"How heavy is a cubic yard vs ton?"

Weights vary by material. For example,

1 cubic yard of mulch may weigh ~ 600 lbs, while 1 cubic yard of gravel can weigh ~ 2,400–3,000 lbs ( ~1.35 tons).

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"How do I calculate square footage?"

Square footage = Length (ft) × Width (ft). For example, a 10 ft × 10 ft space = 100 sq ft.

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"How many tons in a cubic yard?"

It depends on material density.

Mulch ~0.35 tons/yard.
Soil ~1.1 tons/yard.
Gravel or rock ~1.3–1.5 tons/yard.

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"How big is a cubic yard?"

One cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft (27 cubic feet). It fills a space roughly the size of a standard washing machine.

~ 45 of the Home Depot 5-gallon buckets

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"How do I figure how much I need?"

Use our Square Foot Calculator! Just enter your project’s length, width, and depth. It’ll convert it into cubic yards and tons based on material type.

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