llms.txt
# YardCalc — llms.txt
> Free online material calculators and guides for yard, landscaping, and construction projects.
YardCalc provides free calculators for estimating material quantities and costs for common yard and construction projects. All calculations run in the browser — no data is collected or stored.
## Calculators
- [Gravel Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/gravel-calculator): Calculate cubic yards, tons, and cost of gravel for driveways, patios, and landscaping.
- [Mulch Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/mulch-calculator): Calculate cubic yards, bags, and cost of mulch for garden beds and landscaping.
- [Concrete Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/concrete-calculator): Calculate cubic yards, bags, and cost of concrete for slabs, footings, and walls.
- [Topsoil Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/topsoil-calculator): Calculate cubic yards, tons, and cost of topsoil for gardens, lawns, and raised beds.
- [Sand Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/sand-calculator): Calculate cubic yards, tons, and cost of sand for pavers, leveling, and sandboxes.
- [River Rock Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/river-rock-calculator): Calculate cubic yards, tons, bags, and cost of river rock for landscape beds, dry creek beds, and drainage.
- [Fill Dirt Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/fill-dirt-calculator): Calculate cubic yards, tons, and truckload estimates for fill dirt grading, leveling, and backfill projects.
- [Driveway Gravel Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/driveway-gravel-calculator): Calculate gravel for each driveway layer — base, middle, and surface — by depth and dimensions.
- [Asphalt Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/asphalt-calculator): Calculate tons and cost of asphalt for driveway paving projects.
- [Raised Bed Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/raised-bed-calculator): Calculate soil volume, bags, and cost to fill raised garden beds at any dimensions and depth.
- [Paver Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/paver-calculator): Calculate number of pavers, sand, and gravel needed for patios and walkways.
- [Sod Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/sod-calculator): Calculate rolls, pallets, and cost of sod for lawn installation.
- [Grass Seed Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/grass-seed-calculator): Calculate pounds of grass seed needed for new lawns or overseeding by grass type and area.
- [Retaining Wall Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/retaining-wall-calculator): Calculate blocks, courses, gravel backfill, and cost for retaining walls.
- [Fence Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/fence-calculator): Calculate posts, rails, pickets, concrete, and cost for wood fences.
- [Cubic Yards Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/cubic-yards-calculator): Convert between cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters, and other volume units.
- [French Drain Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/french-drain-calculator): Calculate drainage gravel, landscape fabric, and perforated pipe for a French drain trench.
- [Clover Lawn Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/clover-lawn-calculator): Calculate clover seed quantity and cost for a pure clover lawn or mixed grass-clover planting.
- [Landscape Fabric Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/landscape-fabric-calculator): Calculate square footage, roll count, and landscape staples for any bed or path installation.
- [Drip Irrigation Calculator](https://yardcalcapp.com/drip-irrigation-calculator): Calculate emitters, tubing length, and zone flow for drip irrigation systems.
## Blog Posts
- [How Much Gravel Do I Need for a Driveway?](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/how-much-gravel-do-i-need-for-a-driveway): Driveway gravel calculation by layer, depth guide, cost per cubic yard, and ordering tips.
- [Mulch Calculator: The Complete Guide to Mulching](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/mulch-calculator-complete-guide): Cubic yards, bags, depth guide, types, cost, and best time to apply mulch.
- [Concrete Slab Cost: What to Expect in 2026](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/concrete-slab-cost): Cost per square foot, cubic yard pricing, DIY vs professional, and project estimation.
- [How to Build a Retaining Wall: Materials, Cost & Planning](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/how-to-build-a-retaining-wall): Block selection, gravel backfill, costs, and common installation mistakes.
- [Paver Patio Cost Calculator & Planning Guide](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/paver-patio-cost-and-planning-guide): Paver, sand, and gravel quantities; cost per square foot; size guide and material tips.
- [Asphalt Driveway Calculator: Cost Per Square Foot in 2026](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/asphalt-driveway-calculator-cost-per-square-foot): Tons needed, cost, hot mix vs cold patch, and DIY vs professional.
- [Gravel Road Calculator: How Much Gravel for a Private Road](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/gravel-road-calculator): Material and cost estimates for private roads by length, width, and depth.
- [Gravel Base Calculator: How Much Base for Pavers, Sheds & Slabs](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/gravel-base-calculator): Compacted gravel base depth, cubic yards, and cost for hardscape projects.
- [How Much Topsoil Do I Need? Calculator & Guide](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/how-much-topsoil-do-i-need): Topsoil depth for lawns and gardens, cubic yards, cost per yard, and ordering tips.
- [How Much Sand Do I Need? Calculator & Guide](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/how-much-sand-do-i-need): Sand calculation for paver bedding, pool bases, and leveling by project type.
- [Allan Block Calculator: How Many Blocks Do I Need?](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/allan-block-retaining-wall-calculator): Block count, gravel, and cost for Allan Block retaining walls.
- [How Much Fill Dirt Do I Need? Calculator & Guide](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/how-much-fill-dirt-do-i-need): Fill dirt cubic yards, truckload estimates, compaction factor, and cost guide.
- [How Much Does Topsoil Cost? Price Per Yard & Delivery Guide](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/topsoil-cost): Topsoil pricing by type, bulk vs bagged, delivery costs, and when to use each.
- [French Drain: Materials, Cost & Calculator (2026 Guide)](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/french-drain-calculator): Trench sizing, gravel volume, pipe, fabric, and installation guide.
- [Raised Garden Beds: Complete Planning & Building Guide](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/raised-garden-bed-guide): Sizing, soil mixes, materials, cost, and step-by-step building guide.
- [How Much Sod Do I Need? Rolls, Pallets & Cost Guide](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/how-much-sod-do-i-need): Sod quantity by lawn size, roll vs pallet, cost per square foot, and installation tips.
- [Hydroseeding vs Sod: Cost, Growth Time & Which Is Right for Your Lawn](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/hydroseeding-vs-sod): Cost comparison, grow-in timeline, maintenance, and DIY feasibility.
- [Best Gravel for Driveways: Types, Cost & What to Use](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/best-gravel-for-driveways): Crusher run, #57 limestone, #89 stone, pea gravel — what each layer requires.
- [How Much Sand for a Sandbox? Calculator & Buying Guide](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/how-much-sand-for-a-sandbox): Safe sand types for kids, depth guide, bag vs bulk, and replacement schedule.
- [Retaining Wall Materials: Concrete Block vs. Timber vs. Stone](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/retaining-wall-materials): Cost, lifespan, DIY feasibility, and best use comparison for every retaining wall material.
- [Retaining Wall Cost: 2026 Price Guide by Material and Size](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/retaining-wall-cost): DIY vs professional pricing by material type, wall size, and hidden costs.
- [What Not to Throw Away During Yard Cleanup](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/yard-cleanup-dont-throw-away): Materials worth keeping during cleanup and what it costs to haul them away and rebuy.
- [How to Prep Soil for a New Lawn: Topsoil, Amendments & Seeding](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/lawn-soil-prep-guide): Topsoil depth, pH correction, compost amendments, grading, and seeding sequence.
- [Clover Lawn vs Grass: Cost, Maintenance & Which Is Right for Your Yard](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/clover-lawn-vs-grass): Seed cost, water needs, fertilizer, mowing, and appearance comparison.
- [Topsoil vs Compost vs Garden Soil: What to Use and When](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/topsoil-vs-compost): When to use each product, how to mix them, and which is right for lawns, gardens, and raised beds.
- [Drip Irrigation for Raised Beds, Gardens, and Flower Beds](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/drip-irrigation-raised-beds-gardens-flower-beds): Zone strategy, emitter spacing, mainline sizing, and starter parts list.
- [Crusher Run vs Gravel: Which Is Best for a Driveway?](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/crusher-run-vs-gravel-driveway): Crusher run, #57, #67, #89, recycled asphalt, and pea gravel compared by use and layer.
- [Drip Irrigation for Trees and Shrubs: Zones, Emitters, and Scheduling](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/drip-irrigation-trees-shrubs): Emitter placement, flow rates, run time, and scheduling for tree and shrub drip zones.
- [How Much River Rock Do I Need? Coverage & Buying Guide](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/how-much-river-rock-do-i-need): Cubic yards, tons, bags, depth guide by use, size selection, and bulk vs bag pricing.
- [River Rock vs. Mulch: Which Is Better for Landscaping?](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/river-rock-vs-mulch): Upfront cost, 10-year cost, maintenance, soil health, weed control, and best use comparison.
- [Should You Put Landscape Fabric Under River Rock?](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/landscape-fabric-under-river-rock): When fabric helps, when to skip it, which type to use, and common installation mistakes.
- [When to Do Every Yard Project: A Month-by-Month Landscaping Calendar](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/year-round-landscaping-calendar): Best month for seeding, hardscape, drainage, mulching, and every major yard task.
- [Landscape Fabric Calculator: How Much Do You Need?](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/landscape-fabric-calculator): Square footage, roll count, overlap allowance, and staple estimates for any project.
- [How Deep Should Landscape Rock Be? Depth Guide by Project](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/how-deep-should-landscape-rock-be): Depth by stone size and project type — decorative beds, creek beds, paths, and drainage.
- [How Much Grass Seed Do I Need? Coverage, Rates & Cost](https://yardcalcapp.com/blog/how-much-grass-seed-do-i-need): Seeding rates by grass type, new lawn vs overseeding, bag counts, and planting timing.
## Key Formulas
- **Bulk materials** (gravel, mulch, topsoil, sand, river rock): Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards
- **Concrete**: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Thickness (in) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards
- **Grass seed**: Lawn Area (sq ft) ÷ 1,000 × Seeding Rate (lb/1,000 sq ft) = Pounds of Seed
- **French drain gravel**: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
- **French drain fabric width**: Trench width (ft) + (2 × Trench depth (ft)) + 2 ft overlap
- **Pavers**: Area (sq ft) ÷ Individual paver area (sq ft) × (1 + waste factor)
- **Sod**: Area (sq ft) ÷ Roll size (sq ft) × (1 + waste factor)
- **Retaining wall blocks**: (Wall length ÷ Block length) × (Wall height ÷ Block height)
- **Fence posts**: (Fence length ÷ Post spacing) + 1
## Common Material Data
| Material | Weight per yd³ | Typical Cost per yd³ |
|----------|---------------|---------------------|
| Gravel (crushed) | ~1.35 tons | $30–$75 |
| River rock | ~1.35 tons | $45–$90 |
| Mulch | ~0.4 tons | $25–$55 |
| Concrete | ~2.0 tons | $115–$165 |
| Topsoil | ~1.08 tons | $15–$50 |
| Sand | ~1.35 tons | $20–$50 |
| Fill Dirt | ~1.5 tons | $0–$20 |
| Drainage Gravel (#57) | ~1.4 tons | $35–$65 |
| Asphalt (hot mix) | ~2.0 tons | $100–$200 |
## Grass Seed Seeding Rates
| Grass Type | New Lawn (lb/1,000 sq ft) | Overseeding (lb/1,000 sq ft) |
|------------|--------------------------|------------------------------|
| Tall fescue | 6–10 | 3–5 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2–3 | 1–2 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 5–10 | 3–5 |
| Fine fescue | 4–6 | 2–4 |
| Bermudagrass (hulled) | 1–3 | 0.5–1.5 |
| Zoysiagrass | 1–2 | Follow label |
| Centipedegrass | 0.25–0.5 | Rarely overseeded |
## Landscape Rock Depth Guide
| Project Type | Typical Depth |
|-------------|--------------|
| Small decorative gravel (under ½ inch) | 2 inches |
| ¾- to 1½-inch river rock | 2–3 inches |
| 1½- to 3-inch river rock | 3–4 inches |
| Gravel path surface | 2–3 inches over base |
| Dry creek bed channel | 6 inches+ |
| French drain trench | Sized to pipe and drainage requirements |
## French Drain Reference
A standard residential French drain trench is 12" wide × 18–24" deep. Use crushed stone #57 (angular, clean — not pea gravel or round stone). Minimum slope: 1% grade (1 inch drop per 8 feet). Always call 811 before digging.
| Trench Size | Per 50 ft | Per 100 ft |
|-------------|-----------|------------|
| 6" × 12" | 0.93 yd³ | 1.85 yd³ |
| 12" × 18" | 2.78 yd³ | 5.56 yd³ |
| 12" × 24" | 3.70 yd³ | 7.41 yd³ |
| 18" × 24" | 5.56 yd³ | 11.11 yd³ |
## About
YardCalc is a product of Meadowlark Labs LLC. Website: https://yardcalcapp.com
