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Mulch Calculator

Calculate how much mulch you need in cubic yards and 2 or 3 cubic foot bags for any garden bed. Metric bags too. Free mulch calculator.

Mulch needed
1.85 cubic yards
Cubic feet
50
2 cu ft bags
25
3 cu ft bags
17
50 L bags
29

2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of mulch is the usual depth for beds.

How much mulch do I need?

Multiply the bed's length by its width and the depth of mulch you want. 2–3 inches is right for most beds; go thinner around plant stems and trees. A 20 × 10 ft bed covered 3 inches deep needs 50 cubic feet: 1.85 cubic yards, 25 bags of 2 cubic feet or 17 bags of 3 cubic feet. Bulk mulch is sold by the cubic yard and is usually cheaper than bags above about 2–3 yards.

How to use it

  1. 1

    Measure the bed

    Length and width in feet or meters.

  2. 2

    Choose the depth

    In inches or centimeters.

  3. 3

    See how much to buy

    Cubic yards or m³ and the number of bags.

Frequently asked questions

How much area does a cubic yard of mulch cover?

About 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep, or 162 sq ft at 2 inches.

How many bags are in a yard of mulch?

13.5 bags of 2 cu ft, or 9 bags of 3 cu ft.

How deep should mulch be?

2–3 inches for beds. Keep it a few inches away from stems and tree trunks.

Is anything stored?

No. The calculation runs in your browser.

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