Mulch Calculator
Convert bed area and depth into cubic yards of mulch and the number of 2-cu-ft bags to buy.
Processed locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
Mulch Calculator
Length × width of the beds
2–4 in is standard for beds
Enter the bed area to estimate mulch.
About Mulch Calculator
Multiply your bed area by the mulch depth and this tool returns cubic yards plus a bag count at the standard 2-cu-ft bag size (editable for 3-cu-ft bags). A waste factor covers settling and uneven spreading.
Common uses
- Decide between bagged mulch and a bulk delivery
- Refresh beds at 2 in and know the bag count before the store run
Example
Input
200 sq ft at 3 in deep, 10% waste
Output
1.85 yd³ exact → order 2.04 yd³ = 28 bags (2 cu ft)
Limitations
- Mulch compresses over time; the first fill often needs the full 3–4 in
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it equals 13.5 standard 2-cu-ft bags or 9 of the larger 3-cu-ft bags. This calculator shows the bag count for whichever size you set.
How much mulch do I need for 100 square feet?
At a 3 in depth, 100 sq ft needs about 0.93 cubic yards — 13 bags at 2 cu ft each. At a 2 in refresh depth it drops to about 0.62 yd³, or 9 bags.
How deep should mulch be?
2–4 in is the standard range: 3–4 in for a first application on bare soil, and about 2 in for an annual refresh over existing mulch. Piling it deeper can suffocate roots and hold too much moisture against stems.
Is bulk mulch cheaper than bagged mulch?
Usually, once you need about a cubic yard or more — bulk delivery typically costs less per yard than the equivalent 13.5 bags. This calculator shows both the cubic yardage and the bag count so you can compare the two prices directly.
Does this calculator store my garden measurements?
No. Everything is computed in your browser as you type — bed sizes, depths, and results are never uploaded or retained anywhere.