Measure loads before hauling soil, mulch, plants, and gravel. Convert units, include tare weights, and estimate trips. Get reliable numbers for smarter garden logistics.
Choose a calculation method, enter your material details, then press Calculate. The result appears above this form after submission.
These sample scenarios show typical inputs and outcomes. Adjust for compaction, moisture, and container tare.
| Scenario | Method | Quantity / Volume | Moisture | Packaging + Container | Gross Weight (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topsoil bags | Unit weight | 20 bags × 25 kg | 5% | 0.2 kg/bag + 0 kg | ~530 kg |
| Mulch in a trailer box | Volume × Density | 2.0 × 1.0 × 0.4 m³ | 0% | 0 + 40 kg | ~320 kg |
| Potted plants on a pallet | Unit weight | 30 pots × 6 kg | 0% | 0.3 kg/pot + 25 kg | ~214 kg |
Garden materials vary widely in bulk density, so “bag count” alone can mislead when you switch from potting mix to sand. This calculator converts inputs into consistent totals, keeping plans comparable across jobs. Preset densities range from mulch at 350 kg/m³ to gravel near 1700 kg/m³, a nearly five‑fold span. That shift changes handling effort, loading order, and expected trips. Logging totals helps you decide when to split loads across multiple containers.
The unit approach multiplies quantity by per‑item weight, then adds packaging and container tare. Use it for labeled soil bags, fertilizer sacks, trays of seedlings, or potted plants where one item can be weighed. Even small tare adds up: 0.2 kg per bag becomes 10 kg across 50 bags. Moisture is applied as a percentage factor to reflect wet media. For mixed items, calculate each group separately and combine the reports.
When you know dimensions, volume × density is faster than weighing. Box mode uses length × width × depth, then converts the result to m³ for density math. Bag‑volume mode suits products sold in liters, cubic feet, or cubic yards. Use presets first, then refine with a custom density for compaction.
Payload capacity turns weight into logistics. A safety margin reduces usable payload to cover uneven loading and measurement error. Trips use a ceiling calculation, so partial loads still count as a full run. This conservative approach helps avoid overload when moisture or density is uncertain.
With distance and a fuel rate, the tool estimates fuel in liters for one‑way or round‑trip travel. It supports both L/100 km and US mpg inputs, making multi‑vehicle comparisons easier. Fuel is not tied to load weight here, but it highlights route efficiency and job overhead. Pair fuel with trip count to estimate total driving effort for a delivery.
Tare is non‑material weight such as bags, pots, pallets, or bins. Ignoring it can understate gross weight, especially when transporting many small items.
Use unit weight when labels or scales are available. Use volume × density for bulk piles or trailer boxes. Pick the method with the most reliable measurement.
Start with a preset closest to your material, then adjust with Custom if you know compaction or supplier specs. Wet, compacted material is usually denser than loose material.
Moisture adds a percentage to net material weight to reflect water content. Use it for wet soil, saturated compost, or freshly irrigated root balls.
A margin reserves capacity for uncertainty, uneven loading, and measurement drift. It reduces effective payload so trip estimates remain conservative and safer.
It is a planning estimate based on distance and your fuel rate input. Driving style, traffic, terrain, and load weight can change real consumption, so treat it as guidance.
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.