Landscaping Calculator
Calculate material quantities and costs for mulch, sod, pavers, gravel, edging, and retaining walls. Add crew labor and equipment rental for a complete estimate.
Materials
Labor & Equipment
Estimate Summary
How to Use This Calculator
- Add materials — select type and enter area or quantity
- Add more materials with the + Add Material button
- Enter your crew size, estimated days, and labor rate
- Add any equipment rental costs (skid steer, compactor, etc.)
The calculator shows material quantities, labor, equipment, and total before markup. Apply your own markup and overhead for your selling price.
Material Coverage Reference
| Material | Coverage per Unit | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mulch (3" deep) | 108 sq ft / cu yd | $30-45 / cu yd |
| Topsoil (3" deep) | 108 sq ft / cu yd | $25-40 / cu yd |
| Gravel (4" deep) | 81 sq ft / cu yd | $40-55 / cu yd |
| Sod | 1 sq ft each | $0.35-0.60 / sq ft |
| Concrete Pavers | 1 sq ft each | $3-8 / sq ft |
| Flagstone | 1 sq ft each | $5-15 / sq ft |
FAQ
How many cubic yards of mulch do I need?
At 3 inches deep, one cubic yard of mulch covers about 108 square feet. Divide your total area by 108 to get cubic yards. For example, 1,000 sq ft of beds needs about 9.3 yards. Round up and add 5-10% for settling and waste.
How do you estimate sod for a lawn?
Measure the area in square feet (length x width). Add 10% for waste from cuts and irregular shapes. Sod is typically sold by the pallet (450-500 sq ft per pallet) or by the square foot. Most residential lawns cost $0.35-0.60 per square foot for material only.
What's a typical crew size for landscape installs?
A 2-person crew is standard for residential landscaping. For larger commercial jobs, 3-4 person crews are common. Labor rates vary by region — $40-65/hr per person for general landscaping, $55-85/hr for hardscaping or specialized work.
How do you price hardscaping vs. softscaping?
Hardscaping (pavers, retaining walls, patios) typically runs $15-30 per sq ft installed, while softscaping (planting, mulch, sod) runs $3-12 per sq ft. Hardscaping is more material-intensive and requires more skilled labor. Always price them as separate line items.
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