Mulch Calculator – How Much Mulch Do I Need? | CalcLoft
Find out exactly how much mulch you need in bags or cubic yards, for any garden bed.
How much mulch do I need?
Mulch is sold by volume. Multiply your garden length by width for the area, then by the depth. For example, a 10 × 5 ft bed at 3 inches deep is 10 × 5 × 0.25 = 12.5 cubic feet — about 7 standard bags (2 cu ft each) or 0.46 cubic yards.
Bags vs. bulk mulch
Bags are convenient for small beds. For large areas, bulk mulch (delivered by the cubic yard) is much cheaper — often $30-50 per yard vs. $50-100 for the same volume in bags. A cubic yard covers about 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep.
How deep should mulch be?
| Purpose | Depth |
|---|---|
| Light refresh | 2 inches |
| Standard beds | 3 inches |
| Weed suppression | 4 inches |
Mulch calculator FAQ
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cu ft. With standard 2 cu ft bags you need about 14 bags per yard.
How many bags for a 10x10 bed?
A 10 × 10 ft bed at 3 inches deep is 25 cu ft — about 13 bags (2 cu ft each).
Does mulch need replacing every year?
Organic mulch breaks down over time. A 3-inch layer usually lasts 1-2 years; top it up with 1-2 inches each spring.
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