Mulch Calculator

How to use this calculator

Enter Length (ft), Width (ft), Depth (in). The result updates in your browser as you edit an input. The prefilled values are examples only.

How the estimate works

Multiply length and width by depth converted to feet, then divide cubic feet by 27.

What can change the answer?

Actual bed shape and settled depth may differ from a simple rectangle. Measure several spots when the ground slopes or the depth changes.

Before relying on the result

Use feet for length and width, and inches for intended depth. Split uneven or curved beds into measured sections and add their volumes. Convert cubic feet to bags using the stated volume per bag, then round up. Material weight and settled depth cannot be determined from this geometric result alone.

Worked example with the default inputs

A 20-by-5-foot bed at 3 inches deep holds 25 cubic feet, or 0.93 cubic yards. With 2-cubic-foot bags, the geometric quantity is 12.5 bags, so a whole-bag purchase begins at 13.

Interpret the result in a planning record

Measure the bed, decide on the intended layer depth, and use the mulch calculator for cubic feet and cubic yards. Break an irregular bed into smaller rectangles rather than pretending every border is straight. If buying bags, divide the cubic-foot result by the bag’s stated volume and round up. Check depth guidance for the plants in the bed.

Save the input values, units and result together. Change one uncertain input at a time so you can see which assumption moves the answer. A displayed decimal is arithmetic precision, rather than evidence that the measurements or rates are equally precise.

More tools

Read the How to Measure a Project Before Buying Materials guide →