Landscape material guide
Mulch calculator: cubic yards and bags
Multiply bed area by mulch depth to estimate volume, then convert cubic feet into bulk cubic yards or your preferred bag size.
Enter the bed dimensions, desired depth, and bag volume to compare bulk and bag quantities.
Use the mulch calculatorHow the mulch estimate works
The calculator converts mulch depth from inches to feet and multiplies it by bed length and width. It divides cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards and by the selected bag volume for a bag count.
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × (depth in ÷ 12) ÷ 27
Choosing mulch depth
Two to three inches is a common target for many established beds. Existing mulch, plant needs, soil conditions, and the material used can change the appropriate depth. Avoid piling mulch against trunks or plant stems.
Measure multiple beds
Calculate each rectangular bed separately and add the cubic-yard results. For curved beds, divide the area into smaller simple shapes and use a modest allowance for measurement uncertainty. Bulk suppliers may sell in half-yard increments, so check how they round orders.