Mulch Calculator
Enter the size of your garden bed and the depth you want to see how much mulch to buy.
These are estimates. Real jobs vary with surface, product and waste, so round up and check your product's label before you buy.
How much mulch do I need for my flower bed?
Multiply the bed's length by its width, then by the depth you want. A 10×10 foot bed at 3 inches deep takes about 0.93 cubic yards, or 13 bags of 2 cubic feet. Common bed sizes at a 3-inch depth:
| Bed size (3 in deep) | Cubic yards | 2 cu ft bags |
|---|---|---|
| 5×10 ft | 0.46 | 7 |
| 10×10 ft | 0.93 | 13 |
| 10×20 ft | 1.85 | 25 |
| 20×20 ft | 3.70 | 50 |
How deep should mulch be?
Most gardeners spread 2 to 3 inches around plants. Layers that are too deep can hold excess moisture and keep air from the roots. Pull mulch back a few inches from tree trunks and plant stems.
Bags or bulk?
A cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, or 13.5 bags of 2 cubic feet. For more than about two cubic yards, bulk delivery from a landscape supplier is often cheaper. Compare the price per cubic foot of each option, and include any delivery fee.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard holds 13.5 bags of 2 cubic feet or 9 bags of 3 cubic feet.
How much does a yard of mulch cover?
One cubic yard covers about 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, or about 162 square feet at 2 inches.
How often should I replace mulch?
Many gardeners top up one to two inches each year or two rather than replacing it all.