Mulch Calculator
Calculate how much mulch you need in cubic yards and standard 2 cu ft bags for any garden bed or landscaped area.
Cubic yards
1.11yd³
2 cu ft bags
15bags
Volume
30ft³
Bulk mulch by the cubic yard is usually cheaper for beds over about 200 sq ft; bagged mulch (standard 2 cu ft bags) is more convenient for smaller or irregular beds.
How the mulch calculator works
Mulch coverage is a volume calculation, just like gravel or concrete: multiply the length and width of your bed by the depth you want, then convert to the units mulch is actually sold in — cubic yards for bulk delivery, or 2 cu ft bags for retail.
Formula: volume (ft³) = length × width × (depth ÷ 12). Cubic yards = volume ÷ 27. Bags = volume ÷ 2 (rounded up, since bags come whole).
Frequently asked questions
2-3 inches is the standard recommendation for most beds — enough to suppress weeds and retain moisture without smothering plant roots or trunks.
A standard 2 cubic foot bag means it takes 13.5 bags to make one cubic yard (27 ÷ 2). This calculator does that math for you automatically based on your bed size.
Bulk (delivered by the yard) is almost always cheaper per cubic yard once you need more than about 3-4 yards, but bagged mulch avoids delivery minimums and is easier for small or oddly shaped beds.
Not usually — a couple of inches of old, broken-down mulch is fine to top with fresh mulch. If old mulch has built up past 4-5 inches total, rake some out first to avoid smothering roots.