Mulch Calculator
Calculate the exact amount of mulch or topsoil you need for your landscaping project.
Measurements
Options
$
Mulch Required
Cubic Yards0
Cubic Feet0
Number of 2 cu ft Bags0 bags
For estimation purposes only. Bag count assumes standard 2 cubic foot bags.
How This Calculator Works
Our mulch calculator uses standard volume geometry to convert your length, width, and depth measurements into cubic yards and the exact number of bags you need to buy.
The formula is: Cubic Yards = (Length in ft × Width in ft × Depth in ft) ÷ 27. Note that if your depth is in inches, you must divide it by 12 first to get feet.
Example Calculation
If you have a flower bed that is 20 ft long and 5 ft wide, and you want a 3-inch layer of mulch:
- Convert inches to feet: 3 ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft
- Calculate volume in cubic feet: 20 × 5 × 0.25 = 25 cubic feet
- Convert to cubic yards: 25 ÷ 27 = 0.92 cubic yards
- Convert to bags: 25 ÷ 2 (cu ft per bag) = 12.5 bags
Common Garden Sizes (at 2" Depth)
| Area Size | Cubic Yards Needed | Number of 2 cu ft Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 5' × 10' (50 sq ft) | 0.31 cu yd | 5 bags |
| 10' × 10' (100 sq ft) | 0.62 cu yd | 9 bags |
| 10' × 20' (200 sq ft) | 1.23 cu yd | 17 bags |
| 20' × 20' (400 sq ft) | 2.47 cu yd | 34 bags |
Mulch FAQs
How much mulch do I need for my yard?
First, measure the length and width of your garden bed to get the square footage. Then determine how deep you want the mulch (usually 2-3 inches). Multiply square footage by depth in inches, then divide by 324 to get cubic yards. Our calculator does this for you automatically.
How many bags of mulch make a cubic yard?
It takes 13.5 bags of standard 2-cubic-foot mulch to equal one cubic yard. If you buy 3-cubic-foot bags, you'll need 9 bags to make a yard.
How deep should I lay my mulch?
For most flower beds and landscaping, a depth of 2 to 3 inches is recommended. If you're using very fine mulch, 2 inches is sufficient. For playgrounds or paths, 3 to 4 inches is better.
Should I buy mulch in bags or bulk?
If you need more than 2 or 3 cubic yards, buying in bulk (by the truckload) is usually much cheaper. However, bagged mulch is easier to transport and carry to hard-to-reach areas of your yard.
How much does a yard of mulch cover?
One cubic yard of mulch will cover approximately 162 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, or 108 square feet at a depth of 3 inches.