Mulch Calculator: Cubic Yards and 2 Cu Ft Bags
Enter the area of your beds and the depth of mulch, add an allowance, and see how much to buy in bulk or in 2 cubic foot bags. After switching units, re-enter your measurements.
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Formula
volume (ft3) = area (ft2) x depth (in) / 12 x (1 + extra %)cubic yards = ft3 / 27,m3 = ft3 x 0.028316846592bags = round up (ft3 / 2)
Worked example
200 ft2 at 3 in deep with 10% extra:
- 200 x 3 / 12 = 50 ft3; x 1.10 = 55 ft3
- 55 / 27 = 2.04 yd3 (1.557 m3)
- 55 / 2 = 27.5, so 28 bags
Assumptions
- Bags hold 2 cubic feet each (a common retail size; check the label).
- Metric inputs are converted exactly (1 m = 3.28084 ft from 0.3048 m per foot, 1 in = 2.54 cm).
- Settling and uneven beds are covered by the extra percentage.
Frequently asked questions
How much mulch do I need for 200 square feet?
At 3 inches deep, 200 square feet needs 200 x 3 / 12 = 50 cubic feet. With 10 percent extra that is 55 cubic feet, or 2.04 cubic yards. In 2 cubic foot bags it is 27.5, so 28 bags.
How deep should mulch be?
Two to three inches suppresses weeds and holds moisture for most beds. Use about 1 to 2 inches for fine mulch and annuals, and keep it a few inches away from tree trunks and stems rather than piling it up.
How many bags make a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so 13.5 bags of 2 cubic feet. Bulk mulch is cheaper per yard than bags once you need more than about 3 cubic yards, but check the delivery charge.
How do I measure an irregular bed?
Split it into rectangles and circles, work out each area (a circle is 3.1416 x radius squared), and add them. Enter the total in the area field. Round up the total slightly rather than down.