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Mulch Calculator

Calculate how much mulch you need in cubic yards and bags for any bed size and depth.

Measure the bed
Bed dimensions
ft
ft
Depth and material
3"

2–3 in for maintenance; 3–4 in for new beds. Never pile against trunks.

The standard bulk mulch — mats well, breaks down in 1–2 seasons.

10%
$

Mulch needed

4.25 cubic yards

400 sq ft at 3" deep — or 56 two-cubic-foot bags.
Order (bulk, rounded up)
4.25 yd³
Bag equivalent
56 bags (2 cu ft each)
Coverage per yard at this depth
108 sq ft
Bulk cost estimateBagged: $252
$149
Volume breakdown
MeasureValue
Bed area400 sq ft
Depth3"
Volume (before waste)100.0 cu ft
Volume (with ${waste}% waste)4.07 yd³
Rounded order quantity4.25 yd³

Bulk delivery saves money above one yard

At 4.25 yards, a landscape supplier delivery at $35/yd beats bagged mulch. Most suppliers deliver 3–10 yards per truck.

Keep mulch away from trunks

Pull mulch 2–4 inches back from tree trunks and foundation siding. Volcano mulching causes bark rot and invites pests.

What this assumes

  • One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet.
  • Standard bag size is 2 cubic feet (Home Depot, Lowe's, landscape yards).
  • Recommended depth is 2 to 4 inches for beds; do not exceed 4 inches around trunks.

Important

Keep mulch 2 to 4 inches away from tree trunks and foundation siding. Volcano mulching traps moisture and causes rot.

Understanding the result

How deep should mulch be?

Apply 2 to 3 inches for maintenance top-ups and 3 to 4 inches for new beds. More than 4 inches traps moisture against trunks and invites pests. Refresh annually — shredded hardwood breaks down in one to two seasons.

Cubic yards versus bags

One cubic yard covers about 108 square feet at 3 inches deep. Below half a yard, bags are practical. Above one yard, bulk delivery from a landscape supplier is usually cheaper than bagged mulch.

Always order slightly extra

Uneven beds, slopes, and spreading losses add 5 to 10%. Running short means a second trip while the truck is still dirty — round up to the next quarter yard or full pallet of bags.

Common questions

How much mulch do I need for a 10x10 area?
A 10×10 bed is 100 square feet. At 3 inches deep you need 0.93 cubic yards — round up to 1 yard or about 14 two-cubic-foot bags. At 4 inches deep you need 1.23 cubic yards.
How many bags of mulch equal a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. At 2 cubic feet per bag, that is 14 bags (13.5 rounded up). Bulk delivery is cheaper above one yard.
How deep should mulch be around trees?
2 to 3 inches maximum, pulled back 2 to 4 inches from the trunk. Volcano mulching — piled against the bark — causes rot, insect damage, and root girdling.
How much does a yard of mulch cost?
Bulk shredded hardwood runs $30 to $50 per cubic yard delivered. Bagged mulch runs $4 to $6 per 2 cu ft bag — about $54 to $81 per cubic yard equivalent. Bulk wins above one yard.
How many square feet does a yard of mulch cover?
At 3 inches deep, one cubic yard covers 108 square feet. At 2 inches, 162 square feet. At 4 inches, 81 square feet. Divide 324 by your depth in inches for any depth.

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