MaterialSum

Mulch Calculator

Find out how much mulch your garden beds need — whether you buy by the bag or by the truckload.

Dimensions
ft
ft
in
Material & Waste
Optional Cost
Enter your measurements above to see results.

How to use the Mulch Calculator

  1. Measure the length and width of each bed (or its total area).
  2. Enter the mulch depth — 2–3 inches is standard; avoid piling above 4 in.
  3. Pick your bag size or check bulk pricing per cubic yard.

Formula & methodology

Volume = Area × Depth. A 2 cu ft bag covers 24 ft² at 1 inch, 12 ft² at 2 inches, or 8 ft² at 3 inches. One cubic yard = 27 cu ft = 13.5 two-cubic-foot bags.

Example

A 10 ft × 10 ft bed at 3 in deep needs 25 ft³ ≈ 0.93 cu yd — about 13 bags of 2 cu ft, or one bulk yard with a little spare.

Related calculators

Topsoil CalculatorMeasure the area and the depth of new soil you want — get cubic yards, bag counts, and approximate weight for delivery.Grass Seed CalculatorDifferent grasses need very different seeding rates — pick your type and lawn size, and buy exactly what you need.Landscape Rock CalculatorPick your rock type, measure the bed, and get the exact volume, tonnage, and bag count to order.Rubber Mulch CalculatorRubber mulch is heavier and lasts longer than wood — here is how much to order for your beds.

FAQ

How deep should mulch be?

2–3 inches is ideal for weed suppression without suffocating roots. Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and plant crowns.

How many mulch bags equal a yard?

Thirteen and a half 2 cu ft bags, or nine 3 cu ft bags, make one cubic yard.

How much does a yard of mulch cover?

One cubic yard covers about 324 ft² at 1 inch, 162 ft² at 2 inches, or 108 ft² at 3 inches.

Bagged or bulk mulch — which is cheaper?

Bulk mulch typically costs half as much per yard if you need more than about 10–13 bags. Bags win for small touch-ups.