Mulch Calculator
Calculate cubic yards and 2-cubic-foot bags of mulch for beds, borders, and landscaping.
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How this calculator works
Cubic yards = length × width × depth(ft) ÷ 27 × (1 + waste).
Worked example
A 30 × 8 ft bed at 3 in deep needs about 2.33 cubic yards including 5% extra.
Measure beds as several simple areas
Split curved beds into rectangles, circles, or approximate measured sections, then add their areas. Use the finished mulch depth appropriate for the material and purpose. Existing mulch can reduce the added depth, while a new bed may require more to achieve uniform coverage.
Avoid piling mulch against trunks, stems, siding, or drainage openings. Project guidance from local horticultural sources should control placement around plants.
Match the result to how mulch is sold
Bulk mulch is commonly sold by the cubic yard; bagged mulch is sold by bag volume. Product texture, settling, and moisture affect practical coverage. Round up to whole bags or supplier increments and confirm whether delivery minimums make a bulk order more economical.
Sources & assumptions
Volume uses exact rectangular geometry. The bag conversion uses 27 cubic feet per cubic yard and 2 cubic feet per bag; settling, bed shape, and bag fill variation can change the purchase quantity.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should mulch be?
Two to three inches is a common maintenance depth. Avoid piling mulch against trunks or building foundations.
How many bags are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it contains about 13.5 two-cubic-foot bags.
Mulch coverage guide
Compare coverage at common depths, bulk yards, and bag quantities in How much mulch do I need?