Estimate cubic yards, bag counts, and cost for garden beds, borders, and tree rings.
4 shapes · 2–4 in presets · Bag counts
Mulch is usually ordered by the cubic yard or in two-cubic-foot bags. Depth matters more than mulch color — too thin and weeds show through; too thick and water may not reach roots.
| Material | Density | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded hardwood | 500 lb / cu yd | Garden beds, general landscaping |
| Pine bark mulch | 450 lb / cu yd | Beds, trees, acid-loving plants |
| Cedar mulch | 400 lb / cu yd | Paths, beds, insect-resistant finish |
| Cypress mulch | 420 lb / cu yd | Beds, borders, long-lasting ground cover |
| Rubber mulch | 600 lb / cu yd | Playgrounds, paths, low maintenance |
| Compost mulch | 900 lb / cu yd | Vegetable beds, soil amendment top-dress |
Multiply bed area by depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Most beds use 2–4 inches of mulch. Add 5–10% extra for uneven edges and settling.
Apply 2–3 inches in beds, keeping mulch pulled back from trunks. Tree rings often use 2–3 inches over the root zone. Avoid piling mulch against bark.
Divide total cubic feet by 2 and round up. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, so one yard needs about 14 two-cubic-foot bags. Enter your bed size in the calculator for an exact count.
A 100 sq ft bed at 3 inches deep needs about 0.93 cubic yards raw volume, or roughly 13 two-cubic-foot bags before extra allowance.
Measure the circle diameter or use the circle mode. A 6 ft diameter ring at 3 inches deep is about 0.26 cubic yards — often 4–5 two-cubic-foot bags with a small waste allowance.
Bags work well under about one cubic yard. Bulk delivery is usually cheaper for large beds and full-yard refreshes. Compare bag price × count against a delivered cubic-yard quote.
Many landscapes refresh mulch once a year. Shredded hardwood settles faster than bark nuggets. Use the calculator to top off only the depth you have lost rather than guessing.
This estimate converts the measurements you enter into volume, applies your selected allowances, and uses the displayed material density to estimate weight. Every input remains editable.
Material density, moisture, compaction, subgrade conditions, supplier rounding, and delivery minimums vary. Confirm the final quantity and specification with your supplier or contractor.
Multiply bed area by depth in feet to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then add 5–10% for uneven edges and settling. Most landscape beds use 2–4 inches of mulch depth.
A 10×10 ft garden bed at 3 inches deep needs about 0.93 cubic yards raw volume, or roughly 13 two-cubic-foot bags before allowance.
Raw volumes at typical depths. Use circle mode for tree rings.
For stone paths nearby, try the pea gravel calculator or gravel calculator.
Two-cubic-foot bags are easy for small beds and tree-ring touch-ups. Once you approach one cubic yard, compare a bulk delivered quote — about 14 two-cubic-foot bags per cubic yard adds up quickly at retail.
The calculator shows 2 cu ft and 3 cu ft bag counts plus bulk-vs-bagged cost when you enter both prices.
Use 2 inches when refreshing an existing bed, 3 inches for new installs and tree rings, and 4 inches when you need stronger weed suppression or cover on sloped beds. Pull mulch back from trunks and stems.
Shredded hardwood settles faster than bark nuggets. If you mulch annually, calculate only the depth you have lost rather than the full target depth every year.
Break irregular landscaping into simple rectangles, circles, and triangles, then calculate each section and add the results. Measure only the planted or covered area, excluding patios, stepping stones, tree trunks, and other spaces that will not receive mulch. For curved borders, a slightly generous average width is more useful than a precise-looking measurement that misses the widest sections.
Existing mulch changes the depth you need. If a bed still has two inches of usable material and your target is three inches, order a one-inch refresh instead of replacing the full layer. Rake and inspect the old mulch first; matted material may need loosening or partial removal so water can reach the soil. Keep the finished layer away from siding and pull it back several inches from trunks and plant crowns.
Supplier coverage figures can vary with particle size, moisture, and settling. Ask whether the quoted cubic yard is loose-filled and whether delivery charges or minimum quantities apply. For bagged mulch, compare the bag's stated cubic-foot volume rather than the package size. Add a small allowance for uneven edges and settling, then confirm the final order with the nursery or landscape yard.
