Plan ground cover using shapes, thickness, and waste allowances. See volume, bags, rolls, pavers, and budget totals before ordering. For jobs, large or small.
| Scenario | Inputs | Key outputs |
|---|---|---|
| Mulch bed | 12 ft × 8 ft, 2 in, 10% waste | ~1.95 yd³, ~35 bags (2 ft³) |
| Gravel path | 20 ft × 3 ft, 5 cm, 8% waste | ~0.92 yd³, ~1.24 t |
| Fabric layer | 35 m², roll 1.5×30 m, 10 cm overlap | ~1 roll, waste included |
| Paver patio | 10 m², 20×10 cm pieces, 3 mm gap | ~498 pieces with 8% waste |
Measure carefully, add waste, and order with confidence today.
Accurate ground cover estimating prevents delays, rework, and budget surprises. Under-ordering can stop installation mid-job, while over-ordering increases disposal and storage costs. This calculator helps you convert real site dimensions into practical purchase units such as bags, cubic yards, rolls, or individual pavers.
Most sites can be approximated as rectangles, circles, or triangles. Rectangle beds use length × width, circular tree rings use πr², and triangular corners use ½×base×height. If your site is irregular, measure its area directly and enter a custom value in m², ft², or yd².
Depth strongly controls volume. Typical mulch depths are 5–8 cm for beds and 8–10 cm for weed suppression. Gravel paths often use 5–7 cm, while topsoil may be 10–20 cm depending on grading needs. If material will compact, plan slightly higher depth or add extra waste.
Bulk density varies by supplier and moisture content. Common ranges are: mulch 350–450 kg/m³, sand 1500–1700 kg/m³, and gravel 1500–1800 kg/m³. Weight estimates help you choose delivery method, confirm truck limits, and compare price-per-ton quotes.
Waste covers spreading losses, trimming, settling, and measurement error. Small landscaping beds often use 5–10% waste, while complex shapes, slopes, or tight edging can justify 10–15%. For pavers, waste also includes cuts; higher waste is common for herringbone patterns and curves.
Bag estimates use volume divided by bag volume, then rounded up. Bulk volumes are also shown in ft³ and yd³, which match common delivery quotes. Fabric rolls depend on usable roll width after overlap; overlap improves weed control and seam strength but reduces coverage per roll.
Paver counts are based on an effective piece footprint that includes joint spacing. Even a 3 mm joint adds up across a patio and helps avoid under-ordering. If you plan wider joints or a running-bond layout, keep joint gap realistic and include appropriate waste.
Enter one or more price types to compare purchasing strategies. Bags are convenient for small jobs; bulk pricing is usually lower for larger volumes; ton-based pricing works well when suppliers quote by weight. Use the primary estimate for planning, then review alternate estimates for cross-checking.
1) What waste percentage should I choose?
Use 5–10% for simple rectangles and straight edging. Use 10–15% for curves, slopes, heavy settling, or paver cuts. When unsure, start at 10% and adjust after a field check.
2) Why do mulch and gravel show different weights for the same volume?
They have different densities. Mulch contains air voids and is lighter, while gravel is compact and heavy. Moisture also changes density, so treat weight as an estimate unless your supplier provides tested values.
3) Should I order by bags or bulk delivery?
Bags reduce mess and are great for small areas. Bulk delivery is usually cheaper for larger volumes and faster to install. Compare costs by entering bag price and bulk price per cubic yard.
4) How does overlap affect fabric roll calculations?
Overlap reduces the usable roll width because seams stack. It improves weed resistance and durability at joints. Enter your planned overlap so roll coverage reflects real installation practice.
5) How accurate is the paver count?
It assumes a grid layout and uses joint gap in both directions. Patterns with many cuts or curves need extra waste. Always confirm with a small layout sketch and keep spare pieces for future repairs.
6) Can I use this for irregular shapes?
Yes. Either break the site into basic shapes and add areas, or measure the area using a plan, GIS tool, or tape-and-triangulation method, then enter the result as a custom area.
7) Why does the calculator show multiple cost estimates?
Suppliers price materials in different ways. Seeing bag-based, volume-based, and weight-based estimates helps you validate quotes, catch unit misunderstandings, and choose the cheapest buying method for your project.
Measure carefully, add waste, and order with confidence today.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.