Bulk material density & coverage reference.
One cubic yard of material covers 324 square feet at 1 inch deep (divide 324 by the depth in inches for any depth). Weight per cubic yard depends on the material, from about 0.5 tons for mulch to 1.5 tons for crushed stone. Use the tables below to quote, load trucks, and estimate orders.
Weight per cubic yard (approximate, dry)
| Material | Lbs / cu yd | Tons / cu yd |
|---|---|---|
| Mulch (bark/wood) | 800 to 1,000 | 0.4 to 0.5 |
| Compost | 1,000 to 1,200 | 0.5 to 0.6 |
| Topsoil (screened) | 1,900 to 2,400 | 1.0 to 1.2 |
| Fill dirt | 2,000 to 2,400 | 1.0 to 1.2 |
| Sand | 2,600 to 2,800 | 1.3 to 1.4 |
| Gravel (driveway) | 2,600 to 3,000 | 1.3 to 1.5 |
| Crushed stone | 2,800 to 3,200 | 1.4 to 1.6 |
| Asphalt millings | 2,700 to 3,000 | 1.35 to 1.5 |
Coverage per cubic yard (by depth)
| Depth | Coverage (sq ft per cu yd) |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 |
| 2 inches | 162 |
| 3 inches | 108 |
| 4 inches | 81 |
| 6 inches | 54 |
Use our free bulk material calculators to turn area and depth into cubic yards and tons.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet does a cubic yard cover?+
One cubic yard covers 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, and 81 sq ft at 4 inches. Divide 324 by the depth in inches to get the coverage.
How many tons are in a cubic yard?+
It depends on the material: mulch is about 0.5 tons per cubic yard, topsoil about 1.1, gravel about 1.4, and crushed stone about 1.5. Moisture increases weight.
Why does bulk density matter for delivery?+
Density determines both truck payload (tons per load) and how yards price and quote material, since a cubic yard of stone weighs roughly three times a cubic yard of mulch.