Mulch Calculator
Calculates bulk cubic yards and bagged mulch quantities for flower beds, shrubs, and playground safety surfaces at standard depths (2", 3", 4", 6"), with truck delivery and bag count conversions.
Formula
Cubic Yards = (Length ft × Width ft × (Depth in ÷ 12)) ÷ 27 × (1 + Settling %)
1. Bed Area = Length × Width 2. Net Volume (Cu Ft) = Bed Area × (Depth in ÷ 12) 3. Base Cubic Yards = Net Volume ÷ 27 4. Total Cubic Yards with Settling = Base Cubic Yards × (1 + Waste %) 5. 2.0 Cu Ft Bags = Ceil(Total Cu Ft ÷ 2.0) 6. 3.0 Cu Ft Bags = Ceil(Total Cu Ft ÷ 3.0)
Inputs
- Garden Bed Length
- Garden Bed Width
- Mulch Layer Depth
- Mulch Variety & Format
Worked example
Mulching a 300 sq ft garden bed with 3 inches of shredded hardwood mulch.
Outcome: Volume is 75 cu ft (2.78 cubic yards). Adding 10% settling gives 3.06 cubic yards (82.5 cu ft). If buying bags: 42 bags (2 cu ft each). If ordering bulk delivery: 3.25 cubic yards.
When is bulk mulch delivery cheaper than buying bags from Home Depot or Lowe's?
Bulk delivery typically becomes significantly cheaper when you need 3 or more cubic yards (40+ bags). While bags cost ~$3.50 to $4.50 each ($48 to $60/yd), bulk mulch costs ~$28 to $38/yd plus a flat delivery fee.