Mulch Calculator
Calculate mulch needed for landscaping projects by area and depth
Mulch Specifications
Standard shredded mulch
Total Area
18.6 sq m
Volume Needed
56 cubic feet
Bags Needed
Based on 2 cu ft bags
Weight
0.41 tons
Cost Calculation
Total Cost
$0.56/sq ft
Pallets Needed
~60 bags per pallet
Spreading Time
2.0 hrs
Settled Depth
2.7 inches
Pickup Loads
1
Annual Top-up
1" depth
Coverage Reference
Bag Coverage at 3" depth
Depth Guidelines
How it works
A mulch calculator works out how many cubic yards (or bags) you need to cover a bed at a given depth. Multiply the area by the depth in feet, then convert cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing by 27.
Mulch volume
Cubic yards = (area in ft² × depth in ft) ÷ 27 Bags = cubic feet ÷ bag size
- area
- bed area in square feet
- depth
- mulch depth in feet (3 in = 0.25 ft)
Worked example
- Bed area = 200 sq ft
- 3 inches deep = 0.25 ft
- Cubic feet = 200 × 0.25 = 50
- Cubic yards = 50 ÷ 27
≈ 1.85 cubic yards (≈ 25 bags at 2 ft³ each).
Good to know
- 2–3 inches is the usual depth — deep enough to suppress weeds, not so deep it smothers roots.
- Bulk mulch is sold by the cubic yard; bagged mulch is usually 2 cubic feet per bag.
- Keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot.
Related Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
How much mulch do I need?
Multiply the bed's area by the depth, then convert to cubic yards: cubic feet ÷ 27. One cubic yard covers about 108 square feet at 3 inches deep. For example, a 200 sq ft bed at 3 inches needs roughly 1.85 cubic yards.
How deep should mulch be?
2-4 inches for most beds: about 2 inches for fine mulches like shredded leaves and 3-4 inches for coarse bark or wood chips. Deeper isn't better — over 4 inches can suffocate roots and hold excess moisture against stems.
Should I buy mulch in bags or in bulk?
Most bags hold 2 cubic feet, so 13.5 bags equal one cubic yard. Bulk delivery is usually cheaper once you need more than 1-2 yards, while bags win for small jobs, easy handling, and storing leftovers.
Why shouldn't mulch touch tree trunks?
Piling mulch against trunks — the "mulch volcano" — traps moisture against the bark, inviting rot, disease, and pests, and encourages girdling roots. Keep mulch 3-6 inches away from trunks and crowns, tapering to a flat donut shape.
How often should mulch be replenished?
Organic mulches decompose, so most beds need topping up every year or two to maintain depth. Rake the old layer to break crusting before adding new — and only add enough to return to the target 2-4 inch depth.