Landscaping Material Cost Estimator

Price mulch, gravel or topsoil jobs: cubic yards from area and depth, your bulk price per yd³, delivery, spreading labor, markup and tax.

Mulch is usually spread 2–3 in deep; gravel paths 2–4 in; topsoil for new lawns 4–6 in.
%
$per yd³
Bulk price. Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
$per job
One delivery is assumed; enter the combined fee if the order needs several truckloads. Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
$per yd³
Example rate — enter your own. BLS reports a May 2025 median wage of $18.82/h for landscaping and groundskeeping workers.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
%
Added to direct costs (materials + labor + fees) to cover overhead and profit. Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
%
Your combined state + local rate. Example rate — enter your own.
Your rate is remembered on this device.
Whether labor and services are taxable depends on your state. Check with your state revenue department.
Estimated TOTAL
$477.80
Volume needed (incl. extra)
3.06
Order (rounded up to ½ yd³)
3.5 yd³
Area
300
Mulch (3.5 yd³)
$140.00
Delivery
$75.00
Spreading labor
$175.00
Direct cost (before markup)
$390.00
Overhead & profit (20%)
$78.00
Subtotal
$468.00
Sales tax (7% on materials at cost)
$9.80
Cost per ft²
$1.59
Cost per m²
$17.14

Estimate generated with SortedSums: https://sortedsums.com/landscaping-material-estimator/. For informational purposes only; verify before relying on it.

Estimate only. This tool is for informational and educational purposes. Results depend on your inputs and simplifying assumptions, and are not a substitute for professional engineering, design or financial advice. Always verify with a qualified professional and applicable codes before purchasing, building or making decisions.

How it’s calculated

Bulk landscape materials are sold by the cubic yard. One cubic yard spread 1 in deep covers 324 ft² (27 ft³ × 12 in/ft), or 108 ft² at 3 in.

Cubic yards = area (ft²) × depth (in) ÷ 324 × (1 + extra%) Order = cubic yards rounded up to the next ½ yd³ Direct cost = order × (material $/yd³ + labor $/yd³) + delivery TOTAL = direct cost × (1 + markup%) + tax

Example (default example rates, mulch): 300 ft² at 3 in = 300 × 3 ÷ 324 = 2.78 yd³; +10% = 3.06 yd³; order 3.5 yd³. Mulch 3.5 × $40 = $140; spreading 3.5 × $50 = $175; delivery $75. Direct cost $390; +20% = $468; 7% tax on mulch = $9.80. TOTAL = $477.80 (≈ $1.59/ft²).

This is a planning estimate only. It does not include anything not entered above, such as permits, inspections, engineering, site preparation, demolition or disposal (unless entered), access or equipment problems, regional surcharges, contingency or price changes. Get written quotes before committing. For landscaping that includes bed edging, weed fabric, removal of old material or sod, grading, and wheelbarrow access problems.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cubic yard of mulch cover?

About 324 ft² at 1 in deep, 162 ft² at 2 in, and 108 ft² at 3 in. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension gives the same figures.

How deep should mulch be?

Usually 2–3 in. Keep it pulled back a few inches from tree trunks and house siding. Coarse mulch can go deeper for weed control in open areas.

Why add extra for settling?

Fresh mulch and loose soil compact after spreading and watering, and some is lost to spillage. 5–10% extra keeps the finished depth where you want it.

Does it remember my prices for each material?

Yes. Mulch, gravel and topsoil each have their own price field, and all three are saved on this device. Only the selected material is used in the total.

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Sources

Formulas are taken from the free public references above. Results are provided “as is” for informational and educational purposes only. See our disclaimer.

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