Stop Guessing, Start Calculating With Our Online Mulch Calculator
Don't buy too much or too little. Use our simple calculator to find the exact amount of mulch you need for your landscaping project.
Your Results:
You will need approximately:
Cubic Yards of Mulch
Bags (2 cu. ft. each)
Calculation is based on standard 2 cubic foot bags. Always round up to ensure you have enough.
Error:
Please enter valid positive numbers for length, width, and depth.
How to Measure Your Garden Beds
1. Measure Length & Width
Use a tape measure to find the longest and widest parts of your garden bed. For irregular shapes, break them into smaller rectangles and squares, calculate them separately, and add the results together.
2. Decide on Depth
A depth of 2-4 inches is recommended. Use 2 inches for dense mulch like compost and 3-4 inches for lighter mulches like bark or straw to effectively block weeds and retain moisture.
3. Enter into Calculator
Enter your measurements into the calculator above to get an instant, accurate estimate of the mulch you'll need in both cubic yards and standard bags.
The Benefits of a Good Mulch Layer
💧 Moisture Retention
Mulch acts like a sponge, reducing water evaporation from the soil, meaning you water your plants less often.
🚫 Weed Suppression
A thick layer of mulch blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, preventing them from sprouting.
🌡️ Temperature Control
It insulates the soil, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, protecting plant roots.
🌱 Soil Enrichment
Organic mulches decompose over time, adding valuable nutrients and improving soil structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should mulch be?
A standard mulch depth for garden beds is 2 to 4 inches. This is deep enough to suppress weeds and retain moisture without smothering plant roots. For pathways, you might go slightly deeper, up to 4 inches.
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
It depends on the bag size. A common bag size is 2 cubic feet. Since there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, you would need 13.5 bags (27 / 2) of 2-cubic-foot mulch to equal one cubic yard.
When is the best time to apply mulch?
The best time to apply mulch is in mid-to-late spring, after the soil has had a chance to warm up. You can also apply a layer of mulch in the fall to protect plant roots from winter frost.
Can I put mulch directly on top of grass or weeds?
For best results, you should remove existing grass and weeds before applying mulch. You can also lay down a layer of cardboard or newspaper over the grass/weeds before mulching. This creates a light-blocking barrier that helps kill the vegetation underneath and eventually decomposes into the soil.