🧮 Project Material Calculators
Estimate how much material you need before you call. These tools help you plan smarter and get a more accurate quote from us.
Fill Dirt Calculator
Use this to estimate how much fill dirt you need for grading, raising low spots, backfilling, or building up a pad site. Enter the area dimensions and your target depth.
Estimated Amount Needed
* Fill dirt weighs approximately 1.25 tons per cubic yard. Add 10–15% for compaction and waste.
Need fill dirt delivered and spread in northern Michigan? Tangerine Tiller handles the full job — delivery, grading, and cleanup.
Get a Free QuoteGravel / Crushed Stone Calculator
Estimate gravel needed for driveways, parking areas, road base, or drainage. Works for most crushed stone types including #21A, #2 limestone, pea gravel, and road gravel.
Estimated Amount Needed
* Weights vary by material type. Add 10% for waste and settling. Driveways typically need 4–6 inches of gravel depth.
Tangerine Tiller grades and restores driveways throughout northern Michigan — from Pickford to Petoskey. We can spread and compact gravel right.
Get a Free QuoteTopsoil Calculator
Calculate how much topsoil you need for lawns, gardens, seeding after excavation, or leveling your yard. Most lawn applications need 4–6 inches of topsoil.
Estimated Amount Needed
* Topsoil weighs approximately 1.1 tons per cubic yard. Add 10–15% for settling.
After grading or excavation work, getting clean topsoil spread evenly makes all the difference. Ask us about finish grading and topsoil prep.
Get a Free QuoteMulch Calculator
Estimate cubic yards of mulch for garden beds, landscaping borders, or around trees. A 2–3 inch layer is standard for weed suppression; 4 inches for heavier coverage.
Estimated Amount Needed
* 1 cubic yard = 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft mulch. Most landscapers order bulk mulch for areas over 5 cubic yards to save money.
Have a larger landscaping or site-prep project in northern Michigan? Tangerine Tiller handles land clearing, brush removal, and finish grading.
Get a Free QuoteTrench Excavation Calculator
Estimate the volume of soil removed when digging a trench — useful for drainage, utility lines, water/sewer connections, and septic system work. Helps you plan for spoil removal or backfill.
Estimated Excavation Volume
* Soil swell factor: excavated soil expands 20–30% in volume. Actual spoil volume for hauling will be higher than the in-place cubic yards shown. Depth entered here is in feet, not inches.
Tangerine Tiller handles trenching for drainage, utilities, and septic systems across northern Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula. As a licensed septic installer, Dwayne handles the complete job.
Get a Free QuoteTips for Estimating Your Project
These calculators give you a solid starting point — but every project is different. Here's what to keep in mind.
📐 Measure Twice
For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles, calculate each one separately, then add the results together.
➕ Add 10–15% Overage
Always order a little extra. Compaction, settling, and uneven terrain mean your actual usage will be higher than the calculated minimum.
🪨 Gravel Depth Matters
For driveways in northern Michigan, 4–6 inches of compacted gravel is the standard. Going thinner means rutting after frost heave.
🚛 Delivery Minimums
Most material suppliers have minimum load sizes (typically 10–20 tons). If your estimate is small, ask about shared loads or check local retailers for bag options.
📞 When in Doubt, Call
These numbers are estimates. For a real project quote with accurate material and labor costs, give Dwayne a call at (231) 333-8139.
🌨️ Plan Around Michigan Winters
In the UP, spring is the best time for grading and excavation work. Book early — the season fills up fast after snowmelt.