Mulch Calculator
Your estimate
Mulch needed1.85 yd³50 ft³ · 1.42 m³
Bags · 2 ft³ bags25
- Bed area
- 200 ft²22.22 yd² · 18.58 m²
- Estimated cost
- $74.07
For garden beds, tree rings and play areas — bulk yards or bags.
Updated 2026-10-20 · Based on: supplier bulk densities (gravel ≈ 1.4 tons per yd³).
How to use the Mulch Calculator
- Enter the bed length and width (or diameter for a tree ring).
- Pick the depth: 2–3 in for beds, up to 4 in for weed control.
- Choose bag size and price.
- Read yards and bags.
Formula
Cubic yards = area (ft²) × depth (in) ÷ 324.
A 2 ft³ bag covers 12 ft² at 2 in or 8 ft² at 3 in.
Worked example
With the values preset in the calculator above: (Rectangle)
- Length
- 20 ft
- Width
- 10 ft
- Thickness
- 3 in
- Material
- Wood mulch
- Bag size
- 2 ft³ bags
- Extra for waste
- 0 %
- Mulch needed
- 1.85 yd³ (50 ft³)
- Bags
- 25
- Bed area
- 200 ft² (22.22 yd²)
- Estimated cost
- $74.07
How much mulch do I need?
A 10 × 10 ft bed at 3 in deep takes 0.93 yd³ (25 ft³) — 13 bags of 2 ft³ or 9 bags of 3 ft³.
Mulch for common bed sizes
| Length (ft) | Width (ft) | Thickness (in) | Mulch needed | Bags (2 ft³ bags) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 2 | 0.62 yd³ | 9 |
| 10 | 10 | 3 | 0.93 yd³ | 13 |
| 20 | 10 | 3 | 1.85 yd³ | 25 |
| 30 | 10 | 3 | 2.78 yd³ | 38 |
| 50 | 20 | 3 | 9.26 yd³ | 125 |
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of mulch in a yard?
13.5 bags of 2 ft³, or 9 bags of 3 ft³.
How deep should mulch be?
2–3 in for most beds. Keep it a few inches away from tree trunks and house siding.
How much area does a yard of mulch cover?
162 ft² at 2 in, 108 ft² at 3 in, 81 ft² at 4 in.
More calculators
Estimates only — check quantities with your supplier and local building code before you order.