This tool helps you calculate the amount of ground cover you need for your garden or yard.
How to Use the Ground Cover Calculator
1. Enter the Length and Width of the area you want to cover in feet.
2. Provide the Desired Coverage Depth in inches (e.g. 2 inches).
3. Input the Material Density in pounds per cubic foot (lbs/ft³) for the covering material (e.g. mulch, gravel).
4. Click the Calculate button to determine the total amount of material required in pounds.
How It Calculates
The calculator determines the required material by first converting the desired depth from inches to feet. It then calculates the volume of the area in cubic feet, using the formula: Length x Width x Depth.
Finally, it multiplies the volume by the material density to give you the total weight in pounds.
Limitations
This calculator estimates the amount of material needed based on the specified dimensions and density. It does not account for compaction or settling of the material over time.
Use Cases for This Calculator
Calculate total area needed for ground cover
Enter the length and width of the area you want to cover with ground cover, along with the type of ground cover you plan to use. The calculator will instantly give you the total area required for the ground cover, making your planning process effortless.
Determine total cost of ground cover
Input the price per square foot/meter of the ground cover material and the total area needed. The calculator will provide you with the total cost required to purchase the ground cover material, helping you budget effectively for your landscaping project.
Compare costs for different ground cover types
Enter the prices per square foot/meter for various ground cover materials. The calculator will compare the costs and display the most cost-effective option based on your total area requirement.
Calculate weight of ground cover material
Specify the density of the ground cover material and the total area to be covered. The calculator will compute the total weight of the ground cover material, enabling you to make arrangements for transportation and handling.
Estimate installation time based on area
Provide the total area to be covered and your average installation rate per square foot/meter. The calculator will estimate the total time required to install the ground cover, allowing you to plan your project schedule efficiently.
Adjust calculations for irregular-shaped areas
If your area is not a perfect rectangle, input the various dimensions of the space for accurate calculations. The calculator will adjust the formula to consider the irregular shape and provide you with precise results.
Factor in overlapping for better coverage
To ensure proper coverage and avoid gaps, include the percentage of overlapping required for the ground cover material. The calculator will incorporate this factor into the calculations, giving you a more realistic estimate of the material needed.
Calculate savings from bulk purchase discounts
If there are bulk purchase discounts available, input the discount percentage and the regular price of the ground cover material. The calculator will show you the total savings you can achieve by buying in bulk, helping you make cost-effective decisions.
Convert between different units of measurement
If you have measurements in feet and need to convert them to meters, or vice versa, simply input the values into the calculator. It will instantly convert the units for you, saving you time and effort in manual conversions.
Plan for future expansion with extra material calculation
To account for future expansion or potential mistakes, input the percentage of extra material you want to include. The calculator will add this buffer to the total area needed, ensuring you have enough ground cover material to accommodate any changes or errors.