Mulch Calculator
Order the right amount of mulch. To the cubic yard.
Measure your beds, pick a depth, and get exact cubic yards, bag counts, and total cost — with a built-in bulk vs bagged comparison so you always pick the cheaper option.
Your beds
Depth & pricing
Volume breakdown
Total area
120 sq ft
Cubic feet
30 cu ft
Cubic yards
1.11 yd³
Bags needed
15
Cheapest option
$57
1.11 yd³ delivered at $38/yd³
Bagged
$68
Bulk ✓
$57
Save $11 by choosing bulk.
1.11 yd³ · 15 bags.
At 3" deep across 120 sq ft, you'll need about 30 cubic feet of mulch.
Top up every 1–2 years. Wood mulch breaks down and the layer thins by ~30% per season.
Pro tip
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Frequently asked
How much mulch do I need?
One cubic yard covers about 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep, 162 sq ft at 2 inches, or 81 sq ft at 4 inches. Most landscape beds want 2–3 inches.
How many bags of mulch in a cubic yard?
13.5 bags of 2-cubic-foot mulch equals one cubic yard. Bulk delivery is usually cheaper above 2 cubic yards.
How deep should mulch be?
2–3 inches for established beds, up to 4 inches for new beds or weed-heavy areas. Deeper than 4 inches can suffocate plant roots.
Bagged vs bulk mulch — which is cheaper?
Bulk wins above ~2 cubic yards. Bagged makes sense for small jobs, tight access, or when you can't be home for delivery.
How often should I replace mulch?
Top up every 1–2 years. Wood mulch decomposes and the layer thins by roughly 30% each season. Fully replace every 3–4 years.
Is the Mulch Calculator free?
Yes — bed area, cubic yards, bag counts, and bulk-vs-bagged cost comparison are all free. Premium unlocks saved multi-bed projects and printable plant-and-mulch plans.