About the Mulch Calculator
Enter the bed size and mulch depth to get the volume in cubic yards and the number of 2 cubic foot bags. Bulk mulch by the yard is usually cheaper than bags for larger beds.
How it’s calculated
Volume = area × (depth ÷ 12) in cubic feet; ÷ 27 for cubic yards. One cubic yard covers about 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep.
Example calculation
A 20 × 10 ft bed at 3 inches deep needs about 1.85 cubic yards of mulch.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should mulch be?
About 2–3 inches for most beds, up to 3–4 inches for weed suppression. Avoid piling mulch against plant stems and tree trunks.
Bags or bulk?
Bags are convenient for small areas; bulk by the cubic yard is far cheaper once you need more than a dozen or so bags.
This is a general material estimate for planning only. Actual quantities vary with waste, offcuts, site conditions, product coverage, and technique. Confirm measurements and coverage rates before ordering, follow local building codes, and round up — running short mid-project is costly.