Garden material estimator

Mulch calculator

Measure one bed or the whole yard. Get cubic yards and both common bag counts—then compare prices before you leave the store aisle.

Your beds

Step 1

Example values shown — enter your project measurements.

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Mulch depth (inches)

Most garden beds need 2–3 inches.

Extra for settling & waste

Optional price comparison

Enter any prices you see. Leave unknown prices blank.

Bulk / cubic yd$

2 cu ft bag$

3 cu ft bag$

How the mulch calculation works

The calculator turns surface area and depth into volume. Each added bed is measured separately, then combined before the allowance is applied.

Rectangle formula

cubic yards = length × width × (depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27

For a circle, area is π × (diameter ÷ 2)². Bag counts are always rounded up so you can buy whole bags.

Measure each bed in feet.
Multiply the total square footage by depth in feet.
Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards.
Add 5–15% if the bed is uneven or settling is likely.

Mulch coverage and depth guide

One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. The deeper you spread it, the less ground that yard covers.

Coverage per cubic yard

Depth	Coverage
1 inch	324 sq ft
2 inches	162 sq ft
3 inches	108 sq ft
4 inches	81 sq ft
6 inches	54 sq ft
8 inches	40.5 sq ft
12 inches	27 sq ft

Choose depth by use

2–3 inches

Flower beds

Enough to suppress weeds and slow moisture loss without burying crowns.

2–4 inches

Around trees

Spread wide, but keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk—never build a mulch volcano.

2–3 inches

Vegetable gardens

Use a suitable organic material such as clean straw, shredded leaves, or composted mulch.

3–4 inches

Garden paths

A deeper layer withstands foot traffic; top it up when bare spots appear.

6–12 inches

Play areas

Depth depends on fall height and product. Follow the surfacing maker's safety specification.

1–2 inches

Annual refresh

Loosen the existing layer first and add only enough to restore the intended total depth.

Bulk or bagged mulch?

Bagged mulch is easy to transport and place. Bulk delivery often makes more sense for larger jobs, but delivery fees can change the winner. Use the live price fields above with your local quote.

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Mulch calculator FAQ

How thick should mulch be?

For most flower beds, aim for 2–3 inches total. Around trees, 2–4 inches is typical, but leave a clear gap around the trunk. Too much mulch can hold excess moisture and reduce airflow.

How much area does one 2 cubic foot bag cover?

One 2 cu ft bag covers about 24 square feet at 1 inch deep, 12 square feet at 2 inches, 8 square feet at 3 inches, or 6 square feet at 4 inches.

Is bulk or bagged mulch cheaper?

Compare the delivered bulk price per cubic yard with the full number of bags you must buy. Bulk can cost less on larger projects, while bags may win on small jobs once delivery fees and leftover material are considered.

Do I need to add mulch every year?

Not always. Mulch settles and organic mulch decomposes, so check the existing depth each season. Loosen compacted material and add only enough to return to the right total depth.

Does mulch attract bugs?

Mulch creates a cool, moist habitat that some insects like, but correct depth and good placement reduce problems. Keep it away from siding, foundations, and tree trunks, and avoid constantly saturated beds.

Can I use mulch in a vegetable garden?

Yes. Choose a clean material suited to edible gardens, such as straw, shredded leaves, or composted organic mulch. Avoid unknown or contaminated wood and keep mulch away from young plant stems.

Why add 10% extra mulch?

An allowance helps cover uneven ground, settling, measuring error, and small gaps. For a flat, precisely measured bed, you can select no extra; irregular beds may benefit from 10–15%.

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