Mulch Calculator
Estimate mulch for beds and borders. Depth is in inches — results show cubic yards, cubic feet, and 2 cu ft bag counts.
Results
—yd³
Cubic feet
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2 cu ft bags
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Assumptions: Bags are counted as 2 cubic feet each (common retail size). Bag count is rounded up. Bulk delivery is often cheaper above a few yards.
Mulch calculator FAQ
How deep should mulch be?
Most beds do well with 2–3 inches. Under 1 inch may not suppress weeds; over 4 inches can smother roots.
How many 2 cu ft bags of mulch in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard = 27 ft³, so about 14 bags of 2 cu ft mulch (27 ÷ 2 = 13.5, round up).
Should I buy bulk or bagged mulch?
Bulk is usually cheaper for larger areas. Bags are handy for small beds and easier without a truck.
Step-by-step guide: How much mulch do I need? — formula, worked examples, and common mistakes.