How to use
- Measure each bed or area separately.
- Enter target mulch depth and bag volume.
- Use the cubic-yard result for bulk ordering and the bag count for retail bags.
Input guide
- Mulch depth is entered in inches.
- Bag volume is usually printed as cubic feet.
- Waste helps cover uneven beds and settling.
Common mistakes
- Using square feet directly as cubic feet.
- Forgetting that bulk mulch is usually quoted in cubic yards.
- Adding too much mulch against tree trunks or siding.
Assumptions and limitations
- No plant health, pest, drainage, or fire-safety advice is included.
- Bed shapes are approximated as rectangles.
- Optional price is user-entered only.
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Formula
- Area = sum of bed length x width.
- Volume = area x mulch depth in feet.
- Adjusted volume = volume x waste factor.
- Bags needed = adjusted cubic feet / bag volume, rounded up.
Example
A 200 sq ft bed at 3 in deep is 50 cu ft. With 10% waste and 2 cu ft bags, buy 28 bags.
FAQ
How deep should mulch be?
Many projects use about 2 to 3 inches, but the right depth depends on plantings, existing mulch, and local conditions.
Can I compare bags and bulk mulch?
Yes. The result shows both bags and cubic yards so you can compare buying options.