Why Proper Mulch Calculation Matters

Using the right amount of mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve garden aesthetics. Too little mulch won't provide these benefits effectively, while too much can suffocate plant roots and cause moisture retention issues.

Calculation Guide

Measure the length and width of your area in feet
Determine desired depth in inches (2-4 inches recommended)
Multiply length × width × (depth ÷ 12) to get cubic feet
Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards
Divide cubic feet by bag size to get number of bags needed

Examples

A 10×10 foot area at 3-inch depth requires 2.5 cubic yards of mulch or about 34 bags of 2 cu ft mulch. Double the area (20×10 feet) would require exactly twice as much mulch.

Mulch Coverage Reference

Depth	1 cu yd Covers	1 Bag (2 cu ft) Covers
2 inches	162 sq ft	12 sq ft
3 inches	108 sq ft	8 sq ft
4 inches	81 sq ft	6 sq ft

Tips & Warnings

Always measure your space accurately - don't guess!
Buy 5-10% extra mulch to account for settling and compaction
Avoid piling mulch against tree trunks and plant stems
Refresh mulch annually as it decomposes over time

Mulch Calculator

Why Proper Mulch Calculation Matters

Calculation Guide

Examples

Mulch Coverage Reference

Tips & Warnings

Quick Unit Converter

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace mulch?

What's the ideal mulch depth?

Should I remove old mulch before adding new?

Is it cheaper to buy mulch in bulk or bags?

Menu

Mulch Calculator Cubic Yards Bags

AI Assistant

Was this tool helpful?