How to use the Mulch Calculator tool
3 simple steps · under a minute
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Measure your beds
Enter the length and width of the garden bed in feet.
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Choose the depth
Enter how deep you want the mulch — 2 to 4 inches is typical.
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See yards and bags
Read the cubic yards for bulk delivery or the number of bags to buy.
About Mulch calculator
Mulch keeps soil moist, suppresses weeds and makes garden beds look tidy. This mulch calculator works out how much you need from the size of your beds and the depth you want, in cubic yards for bulk delivery and in bags for smaller jobs.
Most beds need 2–3 inches of mulch, and up to 4 inches for weed control; keep it a couple of inches away from tree trunks and plant stems. For more than about 2 cubic yards, bulk mulch is usually much cheaper than bags.
Bags or bulk
Number of bags for small beds, cubic yards for bulk delivery.
Any bag size
Works with 1.5, 2 and 3 cubic foot bags.
Compare prices
Add both prices to see whether bags or bulk is cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate how much mulch I need?
Multiply length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
How many bags of mulch are in a yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet — about 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft, or 9 bags of 3 cu ft.
How deep should mulch be?
2–3 inches for most beds, up to 4 inches to suppress weeds. Avoid piling it against stems and trunks.
How much area does a yard of mulch cover?
About 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep, or 162 sq ft at 2 inches.
How often should I replace mulch?
Top up organic mulch once a year, as it breaks down and feeds the soil.