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Free garden tools · Lawn & ground cover
Give beds and borders the right finishing layer. Enter your area and desired depth to estimate mulch volume, compare common bag sizes, and plan your material before you buy.
Your project
Use rectangular dimensions or enter the total area you already know. Results are estimates; settle depth and product coverage with your supplier.
Measure the longest side.
Measure across the bed.
An optional planning buffer, not a required amount.
Formula: area × depth ÷ 12 = cubic feet; cubic feet ÷ 27 = cubic yards. The selected extra allowance is added before bag count is rounded up. Actual coverage can vary with mulch type, settling, and uneven ground.
Mulch basics
Many garden beds use around 2–3 inches of mulch, but the ideal depth depends on the material, existing layer, plants, and local conditions. Follow product guidance and avoid burying stems or trunks.
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Divide 27 by the bag's stated volume: for example, 18 bags of 1.5 cubic feet each equal 27 cubic feet before allowing for handling or settling.
An extra 5–10% can help with uneven ground, small spills, or estimating uncertainty. For a measured, level area, you may prefer a smaller buffer. The calculator lets you choose the allowance.
The volume calculation works as a planning estimate for many bulk or bagged mulches. Product density, moisture, compaction, and how the material is sold can vary, so check the supplier's stated coverage.