After “which stone should I use?”, the next question we hear most is “how much do I need?” Bulk materials are sold by the cubic yard, which can feel confusing if you don’t order them often. The math is simple once you see it, so here’s a step-by-step walkthrough.
What Is a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard is a cube that measures 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet tall, for a total of 27 cubic feet.
The Fastest Way: Use Our Yardage Calculator >
Enter your length, width, and depth into our Yardage Calculator, and it does the math for you. It works for mulch, stone, soil, and aggregates.
Want to Check the Math Yourself?
Here’s the formula the calculator uses:
Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = cubic yards
Example: A 20 × 10 ft garden bed with 3 inches of mulch:
20 × 10 × 0.25 = 50 cubic feet. 50 ÷ 27 = about 1.85 cubic yards, so order 2.
Tip: Measuring an odd-shaped area? Break it into rectangles, figure out each one, and add them together.
A Note on Lakeshore Soil
Many yards near the lakeshore sit on sandy soil. Sand drains fast and doesn’t hold nutrients well, so new lawns and garden beds in these areas often do better with topsoil toward the deeper end of the range. If you’re not sure what you’re working with, bring us your measurements and a description of your yard, and we’ll help you plan.
Round Up, Not Down
Materials settle and compact, and edges are rarely perfectly straight. Adding 5–10% extra to your total usually saves you a second trip. Running short halfway through is a bigger hassle than having a little left over.
Hauling It Yourself? Check Your Weight Limits
Stone and soil are heavy, and a single cubic yard can weigh more than many pickups and trailers are rated to carry. Before you load up, check your vehicle’s payload rating. Our guide on how much your truck or trailer can haul can help. If the numbers don’t work, delivery is often the easier option.
Plan Ahead for Spring
Once the snow melts, West Michigan yard projects all seem to start at once, and spring is our busiest season. If you measure and plan over the winter, you’ll be ready to order as soon as the ground is workable.
Ready to Order?
Run your numbers through our Yardage Calculator, then call us or request a quote. You can also stop by our yard on US-31, and we’ll help you plan it out. We supply homeowners and contractors in Grand Haven, Spring Lake, West Olive, and Norton Shores.
Crossroads Property Services
11910 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417
📞 (616) 844-9996