TCTopsoilCalc

Free landscape mulch calculator

Mulch Calculator

Estimate how much mulch you need for a garden bed or landscape area. Get cubic yards, cubic feet and bag count, or calculate coverage from a known amount.

  • Choose the task. Calculate the amount to buy or the area a known amount will cover.
  • Use the actual depth. Enter the depth recommended for your material and project.
  • Shop in the unit you need. Compare bulk cubic yards with the bag volume on the product label.

Calculate mulch

Calculation task
Measurement system
Project shape

Use the product label or project guidance for the depth. Playground and rubber mulch may have different requirements.

Mulch needed
4.07 yd3
Cubic feet110.0
Bags needed55
Depth3 in

Includes 10% extra for uneven edges. Bag count is rounded up.

How the mulch calculator works

The calculator multiplies the project area by the mulch depth, converts cubic feet to cubic yards and uses the bag volume printed on the product label.

Area mulch = area x depth
Cubic yards = cubic feet / 27
Bags = cubic feet / bag volume, rounded up
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet

Before ordering mulch

  • Measure the bed: use inside dimensions and account for curved areas with the circle or known-area option.
  • Choose a depth: use the depth recommended for the material and landscape use.
  • Compare units: bulk is sold by the cubic yard while bags are sold by cubic-foot volume.
  • Check special uses: playground surfacing and rubber mulch may require separate product or safety guidance.

Continue planning your landscape project

Use the related tools when your project includes topsoil, compost, raised beds or delivered material cost.

Topsoil CalculatorEstimate topsoil cubic yards, bags and tons from area and depth. Compost CalculatorEstimate compost volume for garden beds and raised bed blends. Gravel CalculatorEstimate gravel cubic yards, tons, bags and coverage. Sand CalculatorEstimate paver, sandbox and landscape sand volume and bags. Soil Volume CalculatorCalculate total volume for beds, planters and soil areas. Raised Bed Soil CalculatorPlan a complete topsoil, compost and aeration mix. Coverage ChartSee how much area a known amount of soil covers. Cost CalculatorCompare a local bulk quote with bagged material cost.

Mulch calculator FAQ

How much mulch do I need?

Multiply the area by the mulch depth, convert the result to cubic yards or cubic feet, then divide by the bag volume if you are buying bags. The calculator rounds bags up.

How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?

One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. A 2-cubic-foot bag requires 14 bags when rounded up, while a 3-cubic-foot bag requires 9 bags.

How much area does a yard of mulch cover?

It depends on depth. At 3 inches, one cubic yard covers 108 square feet before any allowance for uneven edges.

Can I use this for rubber or playground mulch?

The volume math can help estimate those materials, but the correct depth and safety requirements depend on the product and use. Follow the manufacturer's guidance for playground surfacing.

Should I buy bulk mulch or bags?

Compare equal volume and include delivery. Bulk usually makes more sense for larger areas, while bags can be convenient for small beds or locations without bulk delivery.