Mulch Volume Calculator

How many cubic yards or 2-cubic-foot bags of mulch do you need for a flowerbed or landscape area?

Inputs

2-4 in is standard for shrub beds; 1-2 in around annuals.

Result

Mulch needed
0.74 yd³
10 2-ft³ bags, or 20.0 ft³ in bulk.
  • Cubic feet20.0
  • Bag count (2 ft³ each)10
  • Bag count (3 ft³ each)7
  • Bed area80 ft²

Step-by-step

  1. Volume = 20 × 4 × 0.250 = 20.00 ft³.
  2. Cubic yards = 20.00 ÷ 27 = 0.741 yd³.
  3. 2-ft³ bags = ⌈20.00 ÷ 2⌉ = 10.

How to use this calculator

  • Enter the bed dimensions.
  • Pick a depth — 3 inches is the sweet spot for most beds.
  • Compare bag count vs cubic yard pricing to decide bulk vs bagged.

About this calculator

Mulch is sold by both bulk cubic yard and 2-ft³ bag. One cubic yard equals 13.5 bags, so a 1-yd³ pile saves a lot of bag-hauling. Most beds need 2-4 inches; deeper than that smothers roots.

Frequently asked

2-4 inches for shrub beds. 1-2 inches around annuals to avoid burying stems.

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