Mulch Calculator
Mulch is sold in bulk by the cubic yard and in bags at garden centers. Enter the size of the bed and the size of one bag, and this shows both.
- Free
- Works offline after your first visit
- Saves on this device
- No sign-up
- Updated
How it works
Multiply length by width by depth to get the volume. Most beds do well with two to four inches of mulch, since deeper piles can keep the soil too wet.
The bag count divides the volume by the size of one bag and rounds up, so you do not come up short.
Worked example
A bed 40 ft long, 4 ft wide and 3 in deep needs 1.48 yd³ of mulch, or 20 bags of the size you entered.
Questions
How deep should mulch be?
Two to four inches suits most flower and vegetable beds. Thick piles of wood chips can tie up nitrogen in the soil, so keep them thin.
Is bulk mulch cheaper than bags?
For large beds, usually. Bags are easier for small spots. A bulk delivery often has a minimum order, so ask your supplier first.
Should I add extra?
Mulch settles and breaks down over the season. A little extra helps large beds stay covered.
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