Mulch Calculator | Mulch Volume Estimator
Enter the total area. Select unit below.
Enter desired mulch depth (auto-filled by mulch type if not adjusted).
Calculated as: (Area (sq ft) × Depth (inches)) ÷ 324
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
Calculated as: Mulch (cubic yards) × 1.2
1 ton = 2000 lbs
1 lb = 0.4536 kg
Assuming 10-ton truck capacity
Enter the price per cubic yard.
Additional delivery costs.
Calculated as: (Unit Price × Mulch Needed) + Delivery Fees
Mulch improves moisture retention, suppresses weeds, regulates soil temperature, and enhances aesthetic appeal. Based on your selections, consider the following:
- Water Retention: Bark or Wood Chips
- Weed Suppression: Landscape Fabric or Plastic Sheeting
- Garden Beds: Compost Mulch or Shredded Leaves
- Pathways: Gravel, Rubber Mulch, or Inorganic options
Mulch longevity varies by type:
- Bark Mulch: 2-3 years
- Wood Chips: 1-2 years
- Straw or Hay: 6-12 months
- Gravel/Stone: Permanent
Created by James S. Lockwood
With a background in botany and ecological sciences, James specializes in creating practical tools and resources to help gardeners, farmers, and plant enthusiasts optimize their green spaces.
Looking for an easy way to determine how much mulch you need for your landscaping project? Our Mulch Calculator helps you calculate the exact amount of mulch required in cubic yards and cubic feet based on your area size and desired mulch depth. Whether you’re working on garden beds, pathways, tree rings, or playgrounds, our mulch calculator ensures you buy the right amount—no more, no less!
Table of Contents
How to Use the Mulch Calculator?
- Enter the area size – Input the length and width of your space in square feet, square meters, or acres.
- Choose your application type – Select where you’re applying mulch (e.g., garden beds, around trees, pathways).
- Get the recommended mulch depth – The calculator auto-fills the best depth based on the selected use case.
- View results in cubic yards and cubic feet – Find out how much mulch you need for full coverage.
- Estimate cost and weight – Get an estimate of total mulch cost based on price per cubic yard and delivery fees.
How to Calculate How Much Mulch I Need?
Mulch is typically measured in cubic yards. To calculate how much mulch you need:
Mulch Formula (Cubic Yards Calculation)
💡 Example Calculation:
- 500 sq ft at 2 inches depth → 3.1 cubic yards of mulch
- 1,000 sq ft at 3 inches depth → 9.3 cubic yards of mulch
Mulch Formula (Cubic Feet Calculation)
Since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, you can multiply your cubic yards result by 27 to get the total cubic feet.
How Many Bags of Mulch in a Yard?
Mulch is often sold in bags of 2 cubic feet or bags of 3 cubic feet. To figure out how many bags you need:
✅ 1 yard of mulch = 13.5 bags (2 cu ft each)
✅ 1 yard of mulch = 9 bags (3 cu ft each)
💡 Example Bag Calculation:
- Need 3 cubic yards of mulch?
- 40 bags of 2 cu ft mulch
- 27 bags of 3 cu ft mulch
Using bulk mulch can often be more cost-effective for larger projects!
How Much is a Yard of Mulch?
Wondering how much space 1 cubic yard of mulch will cover? It depends on the mulch depth you apply:
1 Inch Depth
📏 324 sq ft per yard
2 Inches Depth
📏 162 sq ft per yard
3 Inches Depth
📏 108 sq ft per yard
4 Inches Depth
📏 81 sq ft per yard
6 Inches Depth
📏 54 sq ft per yard
💡 Example:
- 1 yard of mulch at 2 inches deep covers 162 sq ft
- 1 yard of mulch at 3 inches deep covers 108 sq ft
If you’re mulching flower beds, vegetable gardens, or tree rings, follow the recommended depth for the best results.
Mulch Cost Estimation
- Bulk mulch is usually sold by the cubic yard.
- Bagged mulch is priced per bag (2 or 3 cu ft each).
Use our mulch calculator to enter your price per yard and get an instant total cost estimate, including delivery fees!
Why Use a Mulch Calculator?
✔️ Avoid overbuying or underbuying – Get the exact mulch amount needed.
✔️ Save money – Buy in bulk or in the right number of bags.
✔️ Plan your project better – Ensure full coverage for gardens, pathways, and landscaping projects.
Use our mulch calculator yards and cubic feet calculator for mulch today for fast, accurate estimates!
Disclaimer for Mulch Calculator
This mulch calculator provides estimates based on standard depth recommendations. Actual mulch coverage may vary based on mulch type, compaction, and application technique. Always consult with a landscaping professional for precise project requirements.
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