Estimating quantities for bulk materials (mulch, soils, sands etc)

The following formula gives you an accurate measure for working out quantities of bulk materials that are commonly used in landscaping.

Length of garden x width of garden x depth of material required = volume of material required (m³). Always measure in meters.

Example: You wish to make a new vegetable garden in your backyard. You have constructed the garden using treated pine sleepers at the following measurements; length 5 meters, width 2 meters, depth 0.2 meters (200mm or 20cm).

Method: 5m x 2m x 0.2m = 2m³

If the product is sold by weight multiply measure by bulk density amount.

Example: If you make the kids a sandpit using treated pine slabs at the following measurements; length 2.5 meters, width 2 meters, depth 0.2 meters (200mm or 20cm).

Method: 2.5m x 2m x 0.2m = 1m³

Therefore 1m3 (volume) x 1.25 (bulk density sand) = 1.25 tonne

Bulk density of landscaping materials index

All bulk density measurements are approximates, weights are influenced by the amount of moisture in product.