How the mulch calculator works
Bed area is length × width × the number of beds. Multiply by the depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
Fresh mulch settles and some gets lost spreading, so we add 10% by default.
Suppliers usually sell bulk by the half yard, so the order is rounded up to the next half yard. Bags are rounded up to whole bags.
Tips from the trade
- 2 to 3 inches is the usual depth for refreshing beds. 3 to 4 inches for new beds or weed control.
- Bulk beats bags once you need more than about 2 cubic yards. That's around 27 two-cubic-foot bags.
- Charge for delivery and your labor separately. Material is only part of the job.
When you need more than a free mulch calculator
This calculator answers one quick question. Running a business means doing it on every job, with your own rates saved and a quote you can send.
Mulch calculator questions
How much mulch do I need?
Multiply the bed length by width by depth in feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. A 10 by 10 foot bed at 3 inches deep needs about 0.93 cubic yards.
How many bags of mulch are in a yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it takes about 13.5 two-cubic-foot bags or 9 three-cubic-foot bags.
How deep should mulch be?
Usually 2 to 3 inches. Too thin and weeds come through. Too thick, especially against trunks, can harm plants.
What should I charge for mulch installation?
Many landscapers charge for the material with a markup, plus labor per yard or per hour and a delivery fee. The full Landscape Materials Calculator prices all of it.