Mulch calculator
Enter the bed size and mulch depth. You get cubic yards for bulk delivery and the number of bags to buy.
Figures last reviewed October 2026. See sources.
Mulch depth: typical ranges
These are common ranges, not requirements. Your soil, climate, and local rules may call for something different.
| Use | Depth |
|---|---|
| Around shrubs, trees, and ornamental beds | 2 to 3 in |
| Vegetable beds | 1 to 2 in |
| Refreshing existing mulch | 1 to 2 in |
How this is calculated
Area times depth gives volume in cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. Bag counts divide the volume by the bag size and round up, because you cannot buy part of a bag.
Mulch is sold by volume, so no weight is shown. For irregular beds, split the space into rectangles and circles, calculate each, and add the results.
Example: a 10 ft by 10 ft area at 3 inches deep, with 0% extra, needs about 0.93 cubic yards (25.0 cubic feet), or 13 2 cu ft bags or 9 3 cu ft bags.
How far does one cubic yard go?
Area covered by one cubic yard at different depths, before any extra material.
| Depth | Square feet covered |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 |
| 2 in | 162 |
| 3 in | 108 |
| 4 in | 81 |
Quick reference: common sizes
Amount needed in cubic yards, including the default 0% extra. Use the calculator above for your exact size.
| Area | 2 in deep | 3 in deep |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 0.62 | 0.93 |
| 10 × 20 ft | 1.23 | 1.85 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 0.89 | 1.33 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 2.47 | 3.70 |
| 20 × 30 ft | 3.70 | 5.56 |
Common questions
How much mulch do I need?
Multiply the bed area in square feet by the depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. The calculator does this and rounds bag counts up.
How many bags are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it equals 13.5 bags of 2 cubic feet or 9 bags of 3 cubic feet. Check the volume printed on your bag, since sizes vary.
How much area does a cubic yard of mulch cover?
About 162 square feet at 2 inches deep and about 108 square feet at 3 inches deep.
How deep should mulch be?
About 2 to 3 inches is commonly recommended around shrubs and ornamental beds, and 1 to 2 inches for vegetable beds. Keep mulch pulled back from tree trunks and plant stems rather than piled against them.
Is bulk cheaper than bagged?
Bulk mulch is often cheaper per cubic yard when you need several yards, but delivery fees and minimums vary. Compare the total, not only the unit price.
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