Mulch Calculator
Enter your bed size and depth to see exactly how much mulch to order — by the yard or by the bag.
Last reviewed 2026-06-06
Mulch is cheap, but ordering it is where people slip up: a small bed can swallow a surprising volume, and bagged mulch adds up fast versus a bulk delivery. This calculator gives you both numbers so you can choose.
Enter the size of your bed and how deep you want the mulch. We return the volume in cubic yards (or cubic metres) and the equivalent number of standard bags, so you can compare bulk versus bagged pricing.
How to use the Mulch Calculator
- Measure the length and width of the bed or area.
- Choose your mulch depth — 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) is ideal for most beds.
- Read the volume in cubic yards and the number of bags.
- For large areas, compare a bulk delivery against the bag count — bulk is usually cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should mulch be?
Aim for 2–3 inches (about 5–8 cm). That is enough to block most weeds and retain soil moisture without smothering plant roots. Refresh the top inch each year as it breaks down.
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, so it takes about 13.5 standard 2-cubic-foot bags to make one cubic yard. For anything more than a few bags, bulk delivery is usually cheaper.
Is bulk mulch cheaper than bags?
Almost always, once you need more than roughly 6–10 bags. Bulk is priced by the cubic yard and delivered loose. Bags are convenient for small jobs or when you cannot take a delivery.
Should I put fabric under mulch?
Landscape fabric under mulch reduces weeds in shrub beds and gravel areas. Avoid it in flower or vegetable beds where you replant often, as it gets in the way and clogs over time.