Mulch Calculator
Get the exact amount of mulch for your flower beds and borders - in cubic yards for bulk delivery or bags from the garden center.
How to use this mulch calculator
Measure the length and width of each bed in feet. For round beds, use the widest diameter in both dimensions - the small corner loss is covered by your depth choice.
Pick a depth: 2 inches for a refreshing layer over existing mulch, 3 inches (recommended) for weed suppression, or 4 inches for new beds with heavy weeds.
One cubic yard covers roughly 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep. In bags, a 2 cu ft bag covers about 8 sq ft at 3 inches - so plan to grab 12-14 bags for a typical 100 sq ft bed.
Mulch calculator FAQ
How much mulch do I need for 100 square feet?
At the recommended 3-inch depth, 100 sq ft needs 25 cu ft of mulch: about 13 bags of 2 cu ft, or just under one cubic yard.
How many square feet does a yard of mulch cover?
One cubic yard of mulch covers about 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, and 81 sq ft at 4 inches.
Should I buy mulch in bags or bulk?
Bags are better for small beds and make spreading easier. For anything over 2 cubic yards, bulk delivery is usually 30-50% cheaper - check your supplier's per-yard price.