# Mulch Calculator

> Add each bed, as a rectangle, a circle or a known area, and set the depth. You get cubic yards for a delivery, bags from the store and each cost. A 25 × 4 ft bed plus an 8 ft round bed at 3 inches need 1.46 cubic yards, or 20 two-cubic-foot bags.

Canonical: https://receiptscanner.co/tools/mulch-calculator
Updated: 2026-10-28 · Sources re-checked by: 2027-10-28

This is a free interactive calculator that runs in the browser. Nothing you type is stored or sent. Results are estimates.

## How it works

Area of each bed: length × width, or π × (diameter ÷ 2)² for a circle. Cubic feet = area × depth in inches ÷ 12, plus an extra percentage for settling. Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Bags = cubic feet ÷ the bag size in cubic feet, rounded up. Bulk cost = cubic yards × the price per yard, and bag cost = bags × the price per bag. One cubic yard covers 108 sq ft at 3 in and 162 sq ft at 2 in.

**Coverage of one cubic yard of mulch**

| Depth | Square feet covered |
| --- | --- |
| 1 in | 324 |
| 2 in | 162 |
| 3 in | 108 |
| 4 in | 81 |

**Bags needed for 100 square feet at 3 in deep (25 cubic feet)**

| Bag size | Bags |
| --- | --- |
| 1 cubic ft | 25 |
| 1.5 cubic ft | 17 |
| 2 cubic ft | 13 |
| 3 cubic ft | 9 |

## Worked example: a 25 × 4 ft bed and an 8 ft round bed, 3 in deep

1. Areas: 25 × 4 = 100 sq ft, and π × 4² = 50.3 sq ft. Together 150.3 sq ft.
2. Cubic feet at 3 in: 150.3 × 3 ÷ 12 = 37.6. With 5% extra: 39.4.
3. Cubic yards: 39.4 ÷ 27 = 1.46.
4. Bags of 2 cubic feet: 39.4 ÷ 2 = 19.7, so 20 bags. At $4.50 that is $90.00.
5. Bulk at $40 a yard: 1.46 × 40 = $58.44.

## FAQ

### How do I calculate how much mulch I need?
Multiply the area by the depth in feet (inches ÷ 12) to get cubic feet, and divide by 27 for cubic yards. Add a little for settling. This calculator does each bed and adds them together.

### How deep should mulch be?
Garden guides from extension services commonly suggest about 2 to 4 inches. Keep it a few inches away from stems and trunks, and go thinner on fine mulches that pack down.

### How much does a cubic yard of mulch cover?
About 162 sq ft at 2 in deep, 108 sq ft at 3 in and 81 sq ft at 4 in. The table above shows more depths.

### Is bulk mulch cheaper than bags?
Often, once you need more than a yard or so, but a delivery has a fee and a minimum. Enter both prices and compare what the same job costs each way.

### How many bags are in a cubic yard?
With the common 2 cubic foot bag, 13.5. A yard is 27 cubic feet. A 3 cubic foot bag gives 9 bags per yard.

### Should I add extra for settling?
A small allowance, about 5%, covers uneven ground and settling. The box starts at 5% and you can change it.

## Sources

- [How much will a cubic yard of mulch cover: about 162 sq ft at 2 in and 108 sq ft at 3 in](https://www.hunker.com/12387292/how-much-will-a-cubic-yard-of-mulch-cover/) (checked 2026-10-28)
- [Mulch: what it does and how deep a layer usually is](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulch) (checked 2026-10-28)

This calculator is an estimate for planning. Bag sizes and mulch weights vary by seller, so check the volume printed on the bag and the delivery terms before you order.