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DIY Material Calculator (Concrete, Mulch, Gravel, Paint)
Concrete, Mulch, Gravel & Paint Calculator
Find out exactly how many bags of concrete, mulch, or gravel you need — or how many gallons of paint — plus the total cost, in seconds. Just enter your measurements below.
per 80lb bag (yields ~0.6 cu ft)
Estimate
Cost by Thickness
See how your total cost changes as thickness increases, based on your current length, width, and price.
Calculator Guide
The exact formulas and rules of thumb behind every estimate on this page — so you can double-check the math or work it out by hand.
How Much Concrete Do I Need?
Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. For bags, divide cubic feet by the bag's yield — a standard 80lb bag yields about 0.6 cu ft, and a 60lb bag yields about 0.45 cu ft.
- 4 inches is standard for patios and walkways.
- 6 inches is standard for driveways.
- Always round up bag counts — you can't buy a fraction of a bag.
How Much Mulch Do I Need?
Mulch is sold by the cubic yard (bulk) or 2 cu ft bag. One cubic yard covers roughly 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep. For flower beds, 2–3 inches is typical; for weed suppression, go up to 4 inches.
- Bulk delivery is usually cheaper past ~3 cubic yards.
- Refresh mulch annually as it breaks down.
How Much Gravel Do I Need?
Same volume formula as concrete: length × width × depth ÷ 27 for cubic yards. Gravel is also sometimes priced by weight — a cubic yard of gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons.
- 2–4 inches for pathways.
- 4–6 inches for driveway base layers.
How Much Paint Do I Need?
Multiply wall width × height for square footage, multiply by number of coats, then divide by the paint's coverage rate — typically 350 sq ft per gallon. Two coats is standard for full coverage and color accuracy.
- Deduct large door/window areas for a tighter estimate.
- Dark colors and new drywall often need an extra coat.
Quick Reference Chart
Typical yields and coverage rates by material, so you can sanity-check the calculator's output at a glance.
| Material | Common Package | Typical Yield / Coverage | Common Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | 80lb bag | ~0.6 cu ft per bag | 4 in (patio), 6 in (driveway) |
| Mulch | 2 cu ft bag | ~8 sq ft at 3 in deep | 2–3 in (beds), up to 4 in (weed control) |
| Gravel | 50lb bag | ~0.5 cu ft per bag | 2–4 in (path), 4–6 in (base layer) |
| Paint | 1 gallon | ~350 sq ft per coat | 2 coats standard |
Pro Tips for Accurate Estimates
Measure twice. Small errors in length or width compound fast once multiplied by area.
Buy 10% extra. Uneven ground, spillage, and future repairs eat into your exact total.
Check bag yield on the label. Yields vary slightly by brand and bag weight.
Split large areas. Irregular shapes are more accurate when measured as separate rectangles and added together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much concrete do I need for a slab?
Multiply length by width by depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Convert to bags by dividing cubic feet by the bag's yield, typically 0.6 cu ft for an 80lb bag.
How much mulch do I need per cubic yard?
One cubic yard covers about 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep, or 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep. A 2 cu ft bag covers roughly 8 sq ft at 3 inches.
How many bags of gravel do I need?
Calculate volume in cubic feet, then divide by your bag's yield — usually 0.5 cu ft for a standard 50lb bag.
How much paint do I need for a wall?
Multiply width by height for square footage, multiply by coats, then divide by coverage rate, usually about 350 sq ft per gallon.
Should I buy extra material to account for waste?
Yes — most pros add 10% for spillage and measurement error. Use the waste toggle above to include it automatically.
Estimates are approximate and based on standard industry yields. Actual material needs vary by brand, compaction, surface irregularity, and application method. Confirm quantities with your supplier before purchasing.