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Mulch Volume Calculator
Feet and inches. Enter each bed separately if the sizes differ, then add the bag counts.
Bags are rounded up. Add 5–10% for uneven ground or settling, especially on a new bed.
The arithmetic
Volume = length × width × (depth ÷ 12), in cubic feet. One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Bags = ceil(volume ÷ bag size).
Delivery versus bags
Bulk mulch is usually sold by the cubic yard and priced lower per unit, but delivery access matters. A cubic yard fills roughly thirteen 2-cubic-foot bags, which is the practical break-even for hauling it yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does the calculator handle multiple beds?
It handles one rectangular bed at a time. Run it for each bed and add the bag counts, rounding up only at the end.
What about circular beds?
Measure the diameter, divide by two to get the radius, and enter the bed as a square of side 1.77 × radius. That slightly overestimates, which is safe.
Is dyed mulch safe?
Follow the supplier’s guidance and keep any mulch away from water features. The calculator is about quantity, not material choice.