Mulch Calculator
Estimate the mulch needed to cover garden beds at your chosen depth. Enter bed dimensions and depth to get cubic yards, bag counts, and cost.
Results
Enter your measurements to see an estimate.
Calculated: — EasyBuildTools, www.easybuildtools.com
How to use the undefined
Choose the bed shape, enter its size, and set a mulch depth (2 to 4 inches is typical). If you have several similar beds, set the bed count to multiply the area. The calculator returns cubic yards for bulk delivery and the number of 2-cubic-foot bags for smaller jobs.
Formula and methodology
Area = length × width (rectangular) or π × (diameter÷2)² (circular), multiplied by the number of beds. Volume in cubic feet = area × (depth÷12) × (1 + waste%/100). Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Bags = cubic feet ÷ 2, rounded up.
Worked example
Bed: 20 ft × 4 ft, 3 in deep, 10% waste. Area = 80 sq ft. Volume = 80 × (3÷12) = 20 cu ft, with waste = 22 cu ft = 0.81 cubic yards or 11 bags. Enter the values above to confirm.
Helpful measurement tips
- 2 to 3 inches suppresses weeds without smothering roots; keep mulch off plant stems.
- Bulk by the yard is usually cheaper than bags above about 1 cubic yard.
- Existing mulch that has broken down may need only a top-up, not a full depth.