Mulch Calculator
Find out how much mulch to buy for flower beds, borders and rings around trees — in cubic yards and bags — and whether bags or a bulk delivery is cheaper.
Free · No sign-upHow to use Mulch Calculator
- 1. Enter each bed’s shape and measurements — use a ring for mulch around a tree.
- 2. Add more beds with + Add another area if needed.
- 3. Set the depth (2–3 inches is typical) and the bag size sold near you.
- 4. Read the cubic yards and number of bags, and add prices to compare bags with bulk delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How much mulch do I need?
Multiply the area in square feet by the depth in feet and divide by 27 for cubic yards. A 20 ft × 4 ft bed at 3 inches deep needs 80 × 0.25 ÷ 27 = 0.74 cubic yards, or 10 bags of 2 cu ft.
How deep should mulch be?
2–3 inches for most beds and 3–4 inches for weed control around shrubs. Keep mulch a few inches away from stems and tree trunks to prevent rot.
How many bags of mulch are in a yard?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet: 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft or 9 bags of 3 cu ft.
How much area does a yard of mulch cover?
About 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches and 324 square feet at 1 inch.
Is bulk mulch cheaper than bags?
Usually, for more than 2–3 cubic yards, even after a delivery fee. Enter a bag price and a bulk price per cubic yard to see which is cheaper for your project.
How do I measure mulch around a tree?
Choose the ring shape and enter the outer diameter of the mulched circle and the inner diameter you keep clear around the trunk.