Volume coverage guide
Cubic Yard Coverage Calculator and Chart
Find how many square feet one cubic yard covers at common depths for mulch, gravel, dirt, sand, and concrete.
Quick answer: One cubic yard covers 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, 81 square feet at 4 inches, and 54 square feet at 6 inches.
Cubic Yard Coverage Chart
| Depth | Coverage per cubic yard | Common application |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft | Thin topdressing |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft | Light mulch or rock refresh |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft | Mulch beds and landscape rock |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft | Concrete slabs and heavier beds |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft | Driveway or shed base |
| 8 inches | 40.5 sq ft | Deep base or heavy fill |
| 12 inches | 27 sq ft | One-foot fill or raised beds |
Coverage Formula
To calculate coverage, convert depth to feet and divide 27 cubic feet by that depth:
Coverage in square feet = 27 ÷ depth in feet
For example, 3 inches is 0.25 feet. Then 27 ÷ 0.25 = 108 square feet per cubic yard.
Calculate Your Required Volume
Enter your project's length, width, and depth to calculate the total cubic yards needed. Add about 10 percent for settling, waste, or uneven ground.
FAQ
One cubic yard covers 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches, 108 square feet at 3 inches, and 81 square feet at 4 inches.
One cubic yard covers about 162 square feet at a 2-inch depth.
One cubic yard covers about 108 square feet at a 3-inch depth.
No. Coverage is based on volume and depth. Material type changes weight, settling, and how much overage you may want.