JobSiteCALCULATORS

Mulch Calculator

Enter your bed dimensions and the mulch depth (2–3 inches is typical). Get the volume in cubic yards plus the number of standard 2 cubic-foot bags.

Your measurements

ft
ft
in

Bagged mulch is usually 2 ft³; some hardwood and rubber mulch is 1.5 or 3 ft³.

Mulch needed

20 bags

2 ft³ bags · or 1.48 yd³ bulk

Create an estimate from these materials

Estimates only. Verify against your supplier's coverage figures before ordering.

Footprint

Footprint to scale

160 ft²3 in deep20 ft8 ft

Coverage

Bed area
160 ft²

The formula

Bags = (Length ft × Width ft × (Depth in ÷ 12)) ÷ bag size (ft³)

Example: A 20 ft × 8 ft bed at 3 in deep = 40 ft³ → 20 × 2 ft³ bags, or 1.48 yd³ bulk.

How it works

  1. 1Multiply bed area by depth (in feet) to get cubic feet.
  2. 2Bagged mulch is usually sold in 2 ft³ bags — divide cubic feet by the bag size.
  3. 3Bulk mulch is sold by the cubic yard (27 ft³) and is cheaper for large beds.

Frequently asked questions

How deep should mulch be?

2–3 inches is ideal. Deeper than 3 inches can suffocate roots and waste material; thinner won't suppress weeds well.