Home Improvement
Mulch project details
Choose the bed shape, enter its dimensions and desired depth, then select how you plan to buy mulch.
Mulch Calculator
Estimate cubic yards, bags, truck loads, waste allowance, and material cost for landscape beds.
Mulch needed0 cubic yardsEnter your project details.
Bulk volume0 yd³
Bagged mulch0 bags
Covered area0 ft²
Best estimated cost$0.00
Buying guidance
Cubic feet0 ft³
Exact cubic yards0 yd³
Bag cost$0.00
Bulk cost$0.00
Truck loads0 loads
Waste included0%
How to calculate mulch
First calculate the bed area. Convert mulch depth from inches to feet, multiply area by depth to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. Add a small waste allowance for settling and uneven ground.
Cubic yards = area × (depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27
Worked example
A 20 × 6 ft bed covers 120 ft². At a 3-inch depth, it needs 30 ft³, or about 1.11 yd³. With 10% extra, the project needs about 1.22 yd³, which is roughly 17 two-cubic-foot bags.
Helpful tips
- Two inches is often enough for refreshing an established bed.
- Three to four inches is common for new beds and better weed suppression.
- Keep mulch a few inches away from trunks, stems, and building siding.
- Bulk delivery is often cheaper for larger projects, but delivery fees may apply.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags are in one cubic yard?
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. That is about 14 two-cubic-foot bags, 18 one-and-a-half-cubic-foot bags, or 9 three-cubic-foot bags.
How deep should mulch be?
Many landscape beds use 2–4 inches. Avoid piling mulch too deeply around trees and plants.
Should I include extra mulch?
Yes. A 5–10% allowance helps cover uneven ground, settling, and measurement variation.