Open reference dataset
Yard material coverage data
Version 1.1.0. Reusable planning values for calculators, supplier resource pages, garden worksheets, and educational examples. The data covers cubic-yard coverage by depth, typical material weights, and common bag conversions.
Version DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21370505
Cubic yard coverage by depth
| Depth | Square feet per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft |
| 12 inches | 27 sq ft |
Formula: square feet covered by one cubic yard equals 324 divided by depth in inches.
Typical tons per cubic yard
| Material | Planning range |
|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 1.25-1.4 tons |
| Crushed stone | 1.35-1.55 tons |
| River rock | 1.35-1.6 tons |
| Topsoil | 0.9-1.3 tons |
| Compost | 0.45-0.8 tons |
| Mulch | 0.25-0.5 tons |
| Sand | 1.25-1.5 tons |
| Fill dirt | 1.0-1.4 tons |
Project calculators and source
The complete reference, printable chart, assumptions, and calculator links are maintained in the Yard Material Coverage Chart.
- Estimate gravel yards, tons, bags, and cost
- Estimate topsoil volume and bags
- Estimate mulch coverage and bags
- Convert cubic yards to tons by material
Planning estimates only. Supplier density, moisture, compaction, gradation, and bag fill vary. Confirm local material specifications before ordering.
Interactive coverage widget
Use the same open density ranges in a compact calculator that can be embedded on another website. Widget version 1.3.0 supports imperial or metric input, material filtering, and color configuration.