Swipe the diagram sideways to see every label. The full calculation is written below it.
Volume measures space
Bulk mulch, soil, and aggregate are often discussed in cubic yards. For a measured area in square feet and a depth in inches, cubic yards equal area × depth ÷ 324. This is the geometric finished volume before any separate allowance for settling, compaction, or waste.
Tons measure weight
To estimate tons, multiply cubic yards by the bulk density in short tons per cubic yard. That density varies with the material, particle size, and moisture. A number copied from another website can produce a different delivery quantity from the product in your local yard.
Confirm the sales unit
Ask whether the supplier sells by cubic yard or short ton, which density it uses, and whether its quoted amount is loose or compacted. Enter that value in the gravel planner. Keep your measured volume and purchase allowance visible so you can compare supplier quotes consistently.
Hypothetical worked measurement
At 300 sq ft and 3 inches deep, the finished volume is 300 × 3 ÷ 324 = 2.78 cubic yards. At a supplier density of 1.4 short tons per cubic yard, that geometric volume weighs about 3.89 short tons before separate order allowances.
Check before you order
Ask the supplier whether its quote is in loose cubic yards or short tons and which density it uses for this product.
Apply the result to your project
- State the measured area and finished depth before asking for a bulk quote; that establishes the geometric volume.
- Ask for the selected product’s bulk density if the quote uses short tons, and keep that conversion visible.
- Record whether delivery is loose volume or weight so an allowance is not silently applied twice.
Measuring at the site? The guided field workflow records outlines and cutouts, checks their placement, and makes a printable sheet before you choose materials.
YardSetup prepared this guide from the stated geometry and the linked references where provided. The adjustable example runs in your browser. See our formulas and limits or report an error.