OTHER · MULCH
Mulch Calculator
Calculate cubic yards of bulk mulch (or number of 2 cu ft bags) needed to cover any garden bed or landscaped area. Always rounded up.
About This Calculator
Enter the area to mulch (sq ft) and desired depth (inches). The calculator shows bulk cubic yards and bag count — both rounded up so you don't run short mid-project.
How It Works
Volume (yd³) = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324. This is derived from converting depth to feet (÷12) and then ft³ to yd³ (÷27): 12 × 27 = 324. Bulk order = ⌈yd³⌉; bags = ⌈cu ft ÷ 2⌉ (assuming standard 2 cu ft bags). Typical mulch depth is 2–3 inches for beds; 3–4 inches for weed suppression.
The Formula
yd³ = (area × depth_in) ÷ 324 bags = ⌈yd³ × 27 ÷ 2⌉
- area
- area to mulch in sq ft
- depth_in
- desired mulch depth in inches
Frequently Asked Questions
- How deep should I mulch?
- 2–3 inches is standard for ornamental beds. 3–4 inches provides better weed suppression. Avoid piling mulch against plant stems or tree trunks (volcano mulching), which promotes rot.
- How much does a cubic yard of mulch cover?
- One cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 162 sq ft at 2 inches, or 108 sq ft at 3 inches.
- Are all mulch bags 2 cubic feet?
- Most retail bags are 2 cu ft, but some are 1.5 or 3 cu ft. Check the bag label and adjust accordingly — you can override the depth to match any bag size by computing manually.
Estimates only. Coverage figures (sq ft/gallon, bag yield, BTU/sq ft) are industry rules of thumb with real-world variance. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.