Material Calculator — How Much Do You Need?
Enter your project dimensions to get an estimate in the unit that material is actually sold in: cy or tons. Then pull live delivered pricing for your ZIP code.
Fast path
Pick the material, enter the shape and depth, then use the result card to unlock delivered pricing for your ZIP.
3. Enter Dimensions
Your order summary lands here
As soon as the dimensions are valid, you will see the recommended quantity, truckload count, and the ZIP pricing step.
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.
Each product uses its own catalog density and calculator buffer. If a material is sold by ton, we convert the volume into tonnage. If it is sold by cubic yard, we keep the final recommendation in cy.
Finally, we apply the product-specific buffer and round up to a whole sellable unit. That keeps the recommendation aligned with how the product is actually ordered and delivered.
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 |