Measuring Tips - Calculator

Measuring Tips:

You can use the Measuring Tips to assist you with figuring out how much material you need. Here are additional tips to help you.

1. Calculate all areas to get the square feet.
   Rectangle: Length x width = square feet
   Example: 10 ft x 10 ft = 100 sq ft
   
   Triangle: Length x width x .5 = square feet
   Example: 10 ft x 10 ft x .5 = 50 sq ft
   
   Circle: (3.14 x radius squared)
   Example: 18 ft diameter circle = a 9 ft radius
   3.14 x 92 = 3.14 x 81 = 254.34 square ft
   
   
2. Decide on the depth of the material.
   Each 1 inch of depth = 1/12 cubic foot
   Example: 100 square feet x .5 (6 inches) = 50 cubic feet
   
   Recommended Depth of Materials:
   • Topsoil in lawns - 1" to 2"
   • Garden soil in flowerbeds - 6'-12"
   • Mulch (new coverage)- 3" to 4"
   • Mulch (top dressing)- 1" to 2"
   • Stone less than 1" in diameter - 3"
   • 1 1/2" River stone - 4"
   • 3-6" Stone - 6"
   • Pathways - 4"
   • Landscaping rock - 3" to 4"
3. Figure your cubic volume.
   (area x depth) divided by 27 = cubic yards
   Example: 100 square feet x .5 (6 inches deep) / 27 = 1.85 cubic yards
   
   
4. Miscellaneous Hints:
   • There are 27 Cubic Feet per cubic yard
   • The average pickup truck holds 2 cubic yards of mulch
   • Mulches weigh approximately 400 – 600 lbs per yardSand weighs 3000lbs per yard