Mulch Calculator

Multiply the bed area (length × width in feet) by the depth in feet, which gives cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. For example, a 10×10 ft bed at 3 inches deep needs 25 cubic feet, or about 0.93 cubic yards.

A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Mulch bags are usually 2 cubic feet, so one cubic yard equals about 13.5 bags. If your bags are 3 cubic feet, one yard is 9 bags.

Apply 2–3 inches for most garden beds and around plants. Use 3–4 inches for weed suppression in open areas, but keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and plant stems to prevent rot.

Bulk (by the cubic yard) is almost always cheaper per unit for large projects — often half the price of bagged. Bags are more convenient for small beds and easier to transport in a regular car.

One cubic yard covers about 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep, 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, or 324 sq ft at just 1 inch. Deeper mulch covers less area.