Mulch Calculator
Find cubic yards, bags and the cost of your mulch.
1. Enter dimensions
Example — edit to match your project.
THE MATH, MADE CLEAR
How much mulch do I need?
Cubic feet = length (ft) × width (ft) × mulch depth (in) ÷ 12.
For several beds, calculate each volume and add the volumes before rounding bags.
Cubic yards = total cubic feet ÷ 27. In metric units, cubic meters = length (m) × width (m) × depth (cm) ÷ 100.
If you choose an allowance, purchase volume = measured volume × (1 + allowance percentage ÷ 100). No allowance is added by default.
Bags = purchase volume ÷ the volume printed on one bag, rounded up to a whole bag. Use matching volume units.
Use the same units throughout. We combine all areas before rounding the total to whole bags.
Example: a 20 × 10 ft mulch bed
A 20 ft long, 10 ft wide bed at a 3 in mulch depth needs 50 cubic feet, or about 1.85 cubic yards. At 2 cubic feet per bag, that is 25 bags before any optional allowance. This depth is an example, not a recommendation for every plant or material.
How we calculateA FEW HELPFUL ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions
Know what goes into your shopping list.
How much area does one cubic yard of mulch cover?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. At a 3 in depth it covers 108 square feet; at 2 in it covers 162 square feet; at 4 in it covers 81 square feet. Coverage changes with the depth you choose.
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
Divide 27 cubic feet by the volume on the bag. One cubic yard equals 13.5 bags at 2 cubic feet each, so you would buy 14 whole bags. Bag sizes vary: change the bag-volume input to match the product label, rather than using the bag weight.
How do I calculate mulch for several beds?
Add each bed as a separate area with its own dimensions and depth. Sum all bed volumes before rounding the total bag count. Rounding each bed separately can overstate the number of bags to buy. Approximate an irregular bed with smaller rectangles and avoid counting overlapping areas twice.
Does this estimate include extra mulch or settling?
The base estimate uses only the dimensions and depth you enter. It does not automatically add extra material for settling, uneven ground, or handling loss. Add an optional allowance if you decide it is appropriate, and check the resulting purchase volume before ordering.
Formula references & useful reading
Our calculations use geometric volume and the bag volume you enter. Material selection and settling depend on your project.