How to use this mulch calculator
Estimate yards, 2-cubic-foot bags and delivery needs for flower beds and landscaping. Measure the longest and widest sides in feet and the material depth in inches. The tool estimates cubic yards and converts to short tons using the density you enter. Apply an allowance for uneven ground, compaction, or spillage as appropriate to the material.
Important assumptions
Mulch is normally sold by cubic yard or by bag. A 2-cubic-foot bag covers approximately 12 square feet at a 2-inch depth. Actual coverage depends on settling and uneven beds.
Formula used
Volume (cubic yards) = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324. Then multiply by (1 + your additional allowance as a decimal). Estimated US short tons = cubic yards × your density in US short tons per cubic yard.
For bulk material, enter price per yard or ton as labelled. The calculator adds any delivery fee entered, but does not automatically include tax, labor, permits or disposal.
Common project planning mistakes
- Confusing cubic yards of volume with tons of weight.
- Ordering by loose volume when your specifications refer to compacted depth.
- Assuming one dump truck can legally transport every material at the same payload.
- Using a national average price instead of requesting a local supplier quote.
Disclaimer: These estimates are for planning only and do not replace engineering specifications or quotes.
Example mulch quantities
These examples use rectangular measurements with no extra allowance. Bag counts round up to whole bags.
| Project size | Depth | Cubic yards | 2 cu ft bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 2 in | 0.62 | 9 bags |
| 20 × 10 ft | 3 in | 1.85 | 25 bags |
| 40 × 12 ft | 4 in | 5.93 | 80 bags |
Common questions
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. With 2-cubic-foot bags, that is 13.5 bags, so a one-yard order requires 14 whole bags. With 3-cubic-foot bags it is 9 bags; the calculator’s bag result uses 2-cubic-foot bags.
How deep should I enter the mulch?
Enter the depth recommended for your landscape and mulch product. If you already have mulch, measure the additional layer you need rather than the entire existing layer. The calculator estimates quantity and does not prescribe a landscape specification.
Why does bulk mulch cost differ from bagged mulch?
Bulk suppliers typically quote by cubic yard, while bags are sold in whole units of a stated volume. This tool prices bulk yards. Compare the whole-bag count with your local bag price separately and include applicable delivery charges.
Understand cubic yards, US tons and supplier conversion factors →