Mulch Calculator
Calculate how much mulch you need in cubic yards and bags for garden beds and landscaping.
Result
Fill in the fields above, then press Calculate.
A mulch calculator estimates the volume of mulch in cubic yards and the number of bags needed to cover a garden bed at your desired depth.
Examples
20x10 ft bed, 3 inches deep
Volume: 20 x 10 x 0.25 = 50 cu ft = 1.85 cu yd. At 2 cu ft/bag: 25 bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should mulch be?
Most landscaping applications call for 2-4 inches of mulch. Use 2 inches around shallow-rooted plants and up to 4 inches in beds for maximum weed suppression. Avoid piling mulch against tree trunks.
Should I buy bags or bulk?
For areas needing less than 3 cubic yards, bags are usually practical. For larger areas, bulk delivery (sold by the cubic yard) is more cost-effective, often 40-50% cheaper per cubic yard.
Result
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Quick Tips
- •Always round up when ordering materials -- running short means an extra trip to the store.
- •Apply mulch 2-4 inches deep for best weed suppression, but keep it several inches away from plant stems and tree trunks.
- •Refresh mulch annually, as organic mulch decomposes and loses depth over time.