MyYardCalc
Landscaping · Material planning

Mulch Calculator

Work out how much mulch you need for beds and borders. Convert area and depth to cubic yards or bags and compare your material prices.

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Your project

US & metric

Example values are filled in. Replace them with your measurements.

ft
ft
sq ft

Add other measured sections without counting overlaps twice.

sq ft
in
%

An editable purchasing margin, not a measured compaction rate.

cu ft

Use the labeled volume of the product you plan to buy.

lb / cu yd

Optional. Enter the density of this product to estimate weight.

$
$ / cu yd
$

Enter 0 if included. Bulk cost remains blank until delivery is specified.

Enter your measurements

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The calculation

Volume = net area × depth × (1 + extra ÷ 100). Weight = volume × supplier density.

  • Enter your supplier’s bulk density to show weight. Volume alone cannot determine tons.
  • 10% extra is included once. Confirm supplier minimums and delivery increments.

Saved on this device

Only estimates you choose to save are stored here.

    Measure with a little context

    How to use this mulch calculator

    Subtract trunks, paths and other uncovered spaces from your bed area. Keep the material away from direct contact with trunks and building details.

    A top-up and a new layer need different depths. Measure the material already present before entering an additional depth.

    Volume = net area × depth × (1 + extra ÷ 100). Weight = volume × supplier density.

    A worked example

    With the example values shown below, the calculated result is 0.978 cu yd. These are demonstration inputs, not installation specifications.

    View the example measurements
    • Length / circle diameter: 12 ft
    • Width: 8 ft
    • Material depth: 3 in
    • Extra allowance: 10 %
    • Volume per bag: 2 cu ft

    From estimate to order

    Whole packages and pieces round up; measured lengths, areas and volumes keep full precision during calculation. Match the product dimensions and units to your quote, and check cuts, minimum orders and delivery before purchasing.

    Read our formulas, rounding rules and limitations →

    Mulch planning questions

    How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?

    One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. It takes 14 whole 2-cubic-foot bags to supply at least one cubic yard, or 9 bags of 3 cubic feet. Enter your actual package size because bag volumes differ.

    How do I calculate mulch for a top-up?

    Measure the extra depth you want to add, rather than entering the entire final layer depth again. Subtract areas that will remain uncovered and calculate uneven sections separately. The extra allowance is an ordering margin, not an instruction to pile material against plants.

    Calculation notes updated . Formulas, sources and limitations.

    Keep your project moving.

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