Quick Calculators · Free to use
Mulch Calculator
Convert planting-bed area and mulch depth into cubic yards and whole bags.
Your estimate
Enter your measurements to see the estimate.
Bulk mulch including allowance
cu yd- Bagged volume including allowance
- cu ft
- Whole mulch bags
- bags
- Net layer volume
- cu ft
Uniform layer over measured bed area. Exclude trunks, plants and areas not receiving mulch from your measurement. Does not select an appropriate horticultural depth or account for long-term decomposition.
How to Use This Calculator
Convert planting-bed area and mulch depth into cubic yards and whole bags.
Decimals and fractions accepted for dimensions. Unmarked values use the labeled unit; explicit feet/inches are converted. For example, 10' 6 1/4" is an explicit length; 10.6 means 10.6 of the labeled unit. Rates, prices, counts and areas use numbers only.
Inputs and where to find them
Measured area (sq ft). Measure the bed surface receiving mulch and exclude places that will remain uncovered. Split irregular beds into measured sections where helpful. This area is combined with the intended layer depth to estimate volume.
Mulch layer depth (in). Enter the thickness of the mulch layer you plan to place. Measure vertically through the layer, not down to the bottom of the planting bed. Choose a depth suitable for the planting and material; the calculator does not select one.
Volume per bag (cu ft). Enter the loose mulch volume stated on one bag, in cubic feet. Use volume rather than bag weight. The bag count is an alternative way to purchase the required mulch, not extra material to add to the bulk-yard result.
Allowance (%). Enter the percentage you want to add for cutting, handling loss or other conditions specific to this work. Apply it to the measured quantity rather than enlarging the measurements as well. The suggested value is editable, not a universal recommendation; enter zero when no allowance is needed.
Results, example and assumptions
Net volume is the measured area times layer depth. Required cubic feet and cubic yards include the allowance and describe the same quantity. Bags round that required volume into whole packages. Choose either the bulk or bag purchasing basis rather than adding the two together.
Net cubic feet = bed area × additional layer depth ÷ 12. Apply allowance. Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27; bags = ceil(cubic feet ÷ stated bag volume).
Worked example: 100 sq ft at 3 in depth is 25 cu ft. With 10% allowance, 27.5 cu ft is 1.0185 cu yd or 14 bags of 2 cu ft.
Uniform layer over measured bed area. Exclude trunks, plants and areas not receiving mulch from your measurement. Does not select an appropriate horticultural depth or account for long-term decomposition.