Mulch & Topsoil Calculator
Order the right amount the first time.
Cubic feet needed:
Cubic yards:
2 cu ft bags:
3 cu ft bags:
How to use this calculator
Enter the bed length, width and desired depth, then press Calculate. Cubic feet, cubic yards and bag counts are shown.
Worked example
A 10 ft by 20 ft garden bed at 3 inches deep is 200 sq ft x 0.25 ft = 50 cubic feet, or about 1.85 cubic yards. Since mulch settles and compresses, round up to 2 yards. One 2-cubic-foot bag covers 8 sq ft at 3 inches, so this bed needs about 25 bags.
Depth by purpose
- 2 inches for a light refresh over existing mulch.
- 3 inches for a standard new layer that suppresses weeds.
- 4+ inches only in bare planting beds - too deep can smother roots and trap moisture against stems.
What the result means
Bulk suppliers deliver by the cubic yard; garden centers sell by the bag. The tool gives you yards and shows the bag equivalent so you can price whichever route your supplier offers.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard of mulch weigh?
Roughly 400-800 lb depending on whether it is wet. A full pickup bed holds about a yard - do not overload the suspension with two.
A layer that is too thin lets sunlight through and weeds still grow; too thick sheds water and can smother shallow-rooted plants. Three inches is the sweet spot for most beds, and reapplying an inch each spring keeps the layer stable as the old mulch breaks down.