Mulch Calculator

Calculate how much mulch you need for your garden beds. Get volume in cubic yards, number of bags needed, and compare bulk vs bagged pricing for your landscaping project.

Mulch Needed

Volume

1.85

cubic yards

Bags (2 cu ft)

25

bags needed

Cubic Feet50.0 cu ft
Bags (3 cu ft)17
Bulk Price$56

$30/cubic yard (+ delivery)

Bagged Price$100

$4/bag (2 cu ft bags)

Bulk saves $44

Units

Bed Shape

Dimensions

Mulch Type

Coverage Guide

How much area 1 cubic yard of mulch covers:

162

sq ft at 2"

108

sq ft at 3"

81

sq ft at 4"

Mulch Comparison

TypeLifespanBest For
Hardwood1-2 yearsGeneral landscaping, enriches soil
Cedar2-3 yearsPest deterrent, aromatic
Pine Bark1-2 yearsAcid-loving plants (azaleas, blueberries)
Rubber10+ yearsPlaygrounds, permanent beds
Pine Straw6-12 monthsSlopes, erosion control

Mulching Tips

Avoid "Volcano" Mulching

Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from tree trunks and plant stems to prevent rot.

Water Before Mulching

Water soil deeply before applying mulch to lock in moisture.

Use Landscape Fabric

Consider fabric under mulch for extra weed control in problem areas.

Best Time to Mulch

Late spring after soil warms, or fall before winter freeze.

Quick Answer

To calculate mulch: multiply area (length x width in feet) by depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards. Formula: (Length x Width x Depth) / 27 = Cubic Yards. For a 10x20 ft bed with 3 inches of mulch: (10 x 20 x 0.25) / 27 = 1.85 cubic yards. One cubic yard covers 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, or 81 sq ft at 4 inches.

Key Facts

  • Formula: Cubic Yards = (Length x Width x Depth in feet) / 27
  • 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, covers 162 sq ft at 2" depth
  • Standard 2 cubic foot bag covers 8 sq ft at 3" depth
  • Recommended depth: 2-3" for flower beds, 3-4" around trees
  • One cubic yard = approximately 13.5 bags (2 cu ft each)
  • Mulch settles 20-30% over time; account for this in planning
  • Apply 2-4 inches of mulch; more than 4" can harm plants
  • Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from plant stems and tree trunks

Frequently Asked Questions

Measure your bed's length and width in feet. Multiply to get square feet. For recommended 2-4 inch depth, divide cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards. One cubic yard covers about 100-160 square feet depending on depth. Add 5-10% extra.
2-4 inches is ideal for most applications. Use 2 inches for fine mulches and around shallow-rooted plants. Use 3-4 inches for weed control and moisture retention. Never exceed 4 inches - too much mulch can suffocate roots and cause rot.
Usually no - old decomposed mulch adds organic matter to soil. Only remove if: it's matted and repelling water, diseased, or more than 4 inches deep. Fluff existing mulch with a rake, then add new mulch on top to reach 2-4 inches total.
Hardwood: general purpose, decomposes adding nutrients. Cedar/Cypress: pest-resistant, longer lasting. Pine bark: acidic, good for azaleas/rhododendrons. Rubber: playgrounds, permanent installations. Avoid dyed mulch near edibles.
Bulk is usually 40-60% cheaper per cubic yard but requires delivery ($50-100) and a way to move it. Bagged is convenient for small areas under 10 cubic feet. Break-even is typically around 3-5 cubic yards - above that, bulk saves money.
Organic mulch breaks down in 1-2 years and needs refreshing annually. Add 1-2 inches each spring to maintain 2-4 inch depth. Cedar and cypress last 2-3 years. Rubber mulch lasts 10+ years but doesn't improve soil.