DIY Calculator

Mulch Calculator

Calculate cubic feet and bag count for garden beds and landscape mulch projects.

Mulch depth and coverage

  • 2–4 inch depth

    This range suppresses weeds, holds soil moisture, and moderates soil temperature. Go lighter near plant stems.

  • Cubic feet

    Volume = area × depth (depth converted to feet). A 10×10 bed at 3 inches deep needs 25 cu ft of mulch.

  • 2 cu ft bags

    Standard retail bag size. Always round up — partial bags are not sold, and a thin final pass looks better.

  • Keep stems clear

    Do not pile mulch against trunks or stems. A volcano of mulch traps moisture and can cause rot.

FAQ

How deep should mulch be?
Most beds look best with 2–4 inches of mulch. Go lighter near plant stems to avoid rot.
How many bags of mulch do I need?
This calculator assumes standard 2 cu ft bags. Divide total cubic feet by 2 and round up.