How much material do you need?
Reference tables and formulas for every landscape material YardScan supports — from mulch and sod to pavers and edging. Use the tables for a quick estimate, or download YardScan to get the exact quantity for your real yard shape in seconds.
Mulch
Mulch is the most common landscaping material — used to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve the look of garden beds. Standard bagged mulch comes in 2 cubic foot bags. Large areas are often ordered by the cubic yard in bulk.
Most garden beds need 2–3 inches of depth. Go deeper for weed suppression; shallower for a light top-dressing.
Cubic yards = (sq ft × depth in inches) ÷ 324
Bags (2 CF) = cubic yards ÷ 0.0741Add 10% for irregular bed shapes or waste.
2-inch depth (standard top-dress)
| Area (sq ft) | Cubic Yards | 2 CF Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.31 cu yd | 5 bags |
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 cu yd | 9 bags |
| 200 sq ft | 1.23 cu yd | 17 bags |
| 300 sq ft | 1.85 cu yd | 25 bags |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 cu yd | 42 bags |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 cu yd | 84 bags |
3-inch depth (weed suppression)
| Area (sq ft) | Cubic Yards | 2 CF Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.46 cu yd | 7 bags |
| 100 sq ft | 0.93 cu yd | 13 bags |
| 200 sq ft | 1.85 cu yd | 25 bags |
| 300 sq ft | 2.78 cu yd | 38 bags |
| 500 sq ft | 4.63 cu yd | 63 bags |
| 1,000 sq ft | 9.26 cu yd | 125 bags |
Wood Chips
Wood chips are coarser than shredded mulch and ideal for pathways, playgrounds, and natural-style garden borders. They decompose slowly, making them a durable ground cover. Sold in 2 cubic foot bags or by the bulk cubic yard.
Typical depth is 3–4 inches for paths and play surfaces, 2–3 inches for garden beds.
Cubic yards = (sq ft × depth in inches) ÷ 324
Bags (2 CF) = cubic yards ÷ 0.07413-inch depth (path or border)
| Area (sq ft) | Cubic Yards | 2 CF Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.46 cu yd | 7 bags |
| 100 sq ft | 0.93 cu yd | 13 bags |
| 200 sq ft | 1.85 cu yd | 25 bags |
| 300 sq ft | 2.78 cu yd | 38 bags |
| 500 sq ft | 4.63 cu yd | 63 bags |
| 1,000 sq ft | 9.26 cu yd | 125 bags |
4-inch depth (playground surface)
| Area (sq ft) | Cubic Yards | 2 CF Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.62 cu yd | 9 bags |
| 100 sq ft | 1.23 cu yd | 17 bags |
| 200 sq ft | 2.47 cu yd | 34 bags |
| 300 sq ft | 3.70 cu yd | 50 bags |
| 500 sq ft | 6.17 cu yd | 84 bags |
| 1,000 sq ft | 12.35 cu yd | 167 bags |
Topsoil
Topsoil is used to fill raised beds, level lawns, and build up garden areas. It's the foundation layer for most planting projects. Sold in 40 lb bags (≈ 0.75 CF) for small areas, or delivered by the cubic yard for larger projects.
New garden beds typically need 4–6 inches. Lawn top-dressing uses 1–2 inches.
Cubic yards = (sq ft × depth in inches) ÷ 324
Bags (0.75 CF) = cubic yards ÷ 0.02784-inch depth (new bed fill)
| Area (sq ft) | Cubic Yards | 0.75 CF Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.62 cu yd | 23 bags |
| 100 sq ft | 1.23 cu yd | 45 bags |
| 200 sq ft | 2.47 cu yd | 89 bags |
| 300 sq ft | 3.70 cu yd | 134 bags |
| 500 sq ft | 6.17 cu yd | 222 bags |
| 1,000 sq ft | 12.35 cu yd | 444 bags |
For large projects, bulk delivery by the cubic yard is significantly cheaper per unit than bags.
Compost
Compost improves soil structure, adds nutrients, and boosts drainage. Used as a top dressing to enrich existing lawns or dug into beds before planting. Sold in 1 CF bags (≈ 40 lbs) or by the cubic yard in bulk.
Lawn top-dressing: 1–2 inches. Bed amendment: 3–4 inches worked into the soil.
Cubic yards = (sq ft × depth in inches) ÷ 324
Bags (1 CF) = cubic yards ÷ 0.0372-inch depth (lawn top-dressing)
| Area (sq ft) | Cubic Yards | 1 CF Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 cu yd | 17 bags |
| 200 sq ft | 1.23 cu yd | 34 bags |
| 300 sq ft | 1.85 cu yd | 50 bags |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 cu yd | 84 bags |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 cu yd | 167 bags |
| 2,000 sq ft | 12.35 cu yd | 334 bags |
Sod
Sod gives you an instant lawn without waiting for seed to germinate. Sold in rolls (9 sq ft each) or pallets (450–500 sq ft per pallet) — quantities vary by supplier. Measure accurately before ordering since sod can't be returned once installed.
Always add 5–10% for cuts and waste, especially around curved edges.
Rolls = sq ft ÷ 9 (round up)
Pallets = sq ft ÷ 450 (round up)Standard roll = 9 sq ft · pallet ≈ 450 sq ft
| Area (sq ft) | Rolls | Pallets |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 12 rolls | — |
| 250 sq ft | 28 rolls | ~1 pallet |
| 500 sq ft | 56 rolls | ~1–2 pallets |
| 1,000 sq ft | 112 rolls | ~2–3 pallets |
| 2,000 sq ft | 223 rolls | ~4–5 pallets |
| 5,000 sq ft | 556 rolls | ~11–12 pallets |
Pea Gravel
Small, smooth, rounded gravel popular for walkways, patios, play areas, and drainage. Easy to work with and available at most hardware and garden stores. Sold in 0.5 CF bags (50 lbs) or by bulk cubic yard.
Typical depth is 2–3 inches for decorative surfaces, 4 inches for drainage applications.
Cubic yards = (sq ft × depth in inches) ÷ 324
Bags (0.5 CF) = cubic yards ÷ 0.0185For areas over 200 sq ft, bulk delivery is usually more economical than bags.
2-inch depth (walkway or patio)
| Area (sq ft) | Cubic Yards | 0.5 CF Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.31 cu yd | 17 bags |
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 cu yd | 34 bags |
| 200 sq ft | 1.23 cu yd | 67 bags |
| 300 sq ft | 1.85 cu yd | 100 bags |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 cu yd | 167 bags |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 cu yd | 334 bags |
River Rock
Larger smooth stones used for decorative ground cover, dry creek beds, and drainage channels. River rock adds a natural, polished look to garden beds and borders. Sold in 0.5 CF bags for small areas or by the cubic yard for larger projects.
Typical depth is 2–3 inches for decorative beds, 4–6 inches for dry creek beds.
Cubic yards = (sq ft × depth in inches) ÷ 324
Bags (0.5 CF) = cubic yards ÷ 0.01853-inch depth (decorative bed)
| Area (sq ft) | Cubic Yards | 0.5 CF Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.46 cu yd | 25 bags |
| 100 sq ft | 0.93 cu yd | 50 bags |
| 200 sq ft | 1.85 cu yd | 100 bags |
| 300 sq ft | 2.78 cu yd | 150 bags |
| 500 sq ft | 4.63 cu yd | 250 bags |
| 1,000 sq ft | 9.26 cu yd | 500 bags |
Lava Rock
Lava rock is a lightweight volcanic stone used as a decorative ground cover in xeriscaping, desert gardens, and low-water landscapes. Its porous surface helps retain soil moisture while staying light enough to handle easily. Sold in 0.5 CF bags.
Recommended depth is 2–3 inches for decorative coverage and effective weed suppression.
Cubic yards = (sq ft × depth in inches) ÷ 324
Bags (0.5 CF) = cubic yards ÷ 0.01852-inch depth (standard coverage)
| Area (sq ft) | Cubic Yards | 0.5 CF Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.31 cu yd | 17 bags |
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 cu yd | 34 bags |
| 200 sq ft | 1.23 cu yd | 67 bags |
| 300 sq ft | 1.85 cu yd | 100 bags |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 cu yd | 167 bags |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 cu yd | 334 bags |
Lava rock is much lighter than gravel or river rock — bags are easier to handle but the cubic yard price from bulk suppliers is still better for large areas.
Sand
Sand is primarily used as a base layer under pavers and stepping stones, and for leveling uneven ground. Also used for play areas and sandboxes. Sold in 50 lb bags (≈ 0.5 CF) or by the cubic yard in bulk.
Paver base: 1 inch of leveling sand. Play area or sandbox: 6–12 inches.
Cubic yards = (sq ft × depth in inches) ÷ 324
Bags (0.5 CF / 50 lb) = cubic yards ÷ 0.01851-inch depth (paver base / leveling)
| Area (sq ft) | Cubic Yards | 50 lb Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.15 cu yd | 9 bags |
| 100 sq ft | 0.31 cu yd | 17 bags |
| 200 sq ft | 0.62 cu yd | 34 bags |
| 300 sq ft | 0.93 cu yd | 50 bags |
| 500 sq ft | 1.54 cu yd | 84 bags |
| 1,000 sq ft | 3.09 cu yd | 167 bags |
Pavers
Paver count depends on the size of each individual stone. Common sizes range from 12"×12" to 24"×24". Always add 5–10% for cuts and breakage, especially around curves and borders.
Pavers = sq ft ÷ paver area in sq ft (+ 10% waste)
12"×12" = 1.0 sq ft each
16"×16" = 1.78 sq ft each
18"×18" = 2.25 sq ft each
24"×24" = 4.0 sq ft eachPaver count by size (includes 10% waste)
| Area | 12"×12" | 16"×16" | 18"×18" | 24"×24" |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 55 | 29 | 23 | 14 |
| 100 sq ft | 110 | 57 | 45 | 26 |
| 200 sq ft | 220 | 113 | 89 | 51 |
| 300 sq ft | 330 | 169 | 134 | 76 |
| 500 sq ft | 550 | 281 | 223 | 126 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 1,100 | 562 | 445 | 251 |
Edging
Edging defines the clean border between a garden bed and your lawn. It's measured in linear feet — the total perimeter of the area being bordered. Common landscape edging comes in 20 ft or 30 ft rolls.
YardScan outputs both the area and the perimeter when you scan — so you can order fill material and edging from a single measurement.
Linear feet needed = perimeter of area
Rolls = linear feet ÷ roll length (round up)Rolls needed by perimeter
| Perimeter | 20 ft Rolls | 30 ft Rolls |
|---|---|---|
| 20 linear ft | 1 roll | 1 roll |
| 40 linear ft | 2 rolls | 2 rolls |
| 60 linear ft | 3 rolls | 2 rolls |
| 80 linear ft | 4 rolls | 3 rolls |
| 100 linear ft | 5 rolls | 4 rolls |
| 150 linear ft | 8 rolls | 5 rolls |
YardScan gives you both area and perimeter from one scan — calculate fill material and edging at the same time.
Skip the tables. Get the exact number.
Reference tables are built for rectangles. Your yard isn't a rectangle. YardScan traces the real shape of any bed, lawn, or paved area with your iPhone camera and outputs the exact quantity in seconds — for any of the 11 materials above.
Free to download · No subscription