Yardexa estimating guides
Short, practical guides on how contractors and estimators plan material orders. Every guide links to the calculator that does the math.
Browse by topic
Materials
Practical estimating guides — how to read a material spec, when to add waste, and when to buy bagged instead of bulk.
Concrete
Concrete estimating basics: how much concrete a slab needs, when to order ready-mix, and how bag yields work.
Earthwork
Excavation and hauling fundamentals — swell factors, truck sizing, and disposal cost.
Landscaping
Landscaping guides for beds, lawns, paths, and driveways — the depths and volumes pros use every day.
All guides
How to Calculate Cubic Yards
A cubic yard is the standard unit for bulk material. Here's the formula and a worked example.
How Many Cubic Yards Fit in a Dump Truck?
10–14 cubic yards is a common single-axle payload — but weight often governs before volume.
Cubic Yards vs Tons — Which Should You Order In?
Yards measure volume, tons measure weight. Suppliers price and load in one or the other.
How Deep Should Mulch Be?
2–3 inches for annual beds, 3–4 inches around trees. Deeper mulch can smother roots.
How Much Topsoil Do You Need for a Lawn?
New lawns want 4–6 inches. Overseeding gets by with 1–2 inches. Topsoil settles ~15%.
How to Estimate Concrete for a Slab
Cubic yards = area × thickness ÷ 27. Add 10% waste. Over ~1 cubic yard, switch from bags to ready-mix.
How to Calculate Excavation Quantity
Bank yards × swell = loose truck yards. Round truckloads up and confirm disposal rate.
How to Estimate Gravel for a Driveway
4 inches minimum for cars, 6 inches for trucks, over a compacted road-base subgrade.
Bulk Material vs Bagged Material
Break-even is usually around 0.5–1 cubic yard. Below that, bags win on convenience.
Why Waste Factor Matters in Estimating
Running short costs more than the excess — a small waste factor prevents a costly re-delivery.