How much area does one cubic yard of mulch cover?

One cubic yard of mulch covers approximately 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 108 square feet at 3 inches deep. Most garden beds work well with 2-3 inches of mulch.

Should I buy mulch in bags or bulk?

Bags are convenient for small to medium projects and allow for easy handling and storage. Bulk mulch is more economical for large projects but requires delivery and proper storage space. Calculate your volume needs first, then compare costs.

How often should I replace or add mulch?

Organic mulches typically need refreshing every 1-2 years as they decompose and settle. Check depth annually and add more as needed to maintain 2-4 inches of coverage for optimal plant health and weed suppression.

What's the difference between mulch and compost?

Mulch primarily protects soil and suppresses weeds, while compost improves soil structure and nutrition. You can use compost as mulch, but it decomposes faster and may need more frequent replacement. Many gardeners use compost under a layer of mulch.

Can I use this calculator for different types of mulch?

Yes, the calculator works for all mulch types including wood chips, bark, shredded hardwood, straw, and even stone or rubber mulch. Volume calculations remain the same regardless of material type.

How do I calculate mulch for irregularly shaped garden beds?

For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles or circles, calculate each separately, then add the volumes together. The waste allowance (10-15%) in the calculator helps account for the extra cutting and fitting required.

Mulch Calculator

Calculate the cubic yards or bags of mulch required to cover your garden beds at your desired depth. Includes common bag size options and a waste percentage.

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Common Garden Bed Sizes

Popular garden dimensions for quick mulch estimation

Garden Bed Dimensions & Mulch Specifications

Enter area size, depth, and bag preferences

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Depth (inches)

Bag Size

Waste Allowance (%)

How it works: The calculator determines volume based on area and depth, then converts to cubic yards and calculates bags needed for your selected bag size.

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