Flagship calculator
Mulch Calculator
Enter your bed dimensions and we'll do the math: cubic yards, exact bag count for 1.5, 2, or 3 cu ft bags, and whether bulk delivery beats your local big-box price.
Pick a shape
step 1 of 3Enter measurements
step 2 of 3Options
step 3 of 3Cost compare (bulk vs bagged)
Edit defaults — bulk delivery + bag pricing varies wildly by region.
You need
0 bags
2 cu ft each
Cubic yards
0
Cubic feet
0
Cubic meters
0
Cost compare
Bulk saves $21 for this project.
Density assumption
Shredded hardwood mulch averages ~600 lb/yd³ (22 lb/ft³). Pine bark is lighter (~450 lb/yd³); dyed mulch can be heavier when wet.
Tip: Spring (Mar-May) is peak mulch season — landscape suppliers run promos and big-box stores price-match. Apply mulch after the soil warms above 55°F.
Common bed sizes
Tap to set the calculator above.
4×8 raised bed
0.30 yd³
4 @ 2 cu ft
10×10 island
0.93 yd³
13 @ 2 cu ft
20×3 border
0.55 yd³
8 @ 2 cu ft
12 ft tree ring
1.05 yd³
15 @ 2 cu ft
All at 3" depth, +10% settling.
FAQ
How many bags of mulch for a 10×10 bed at 3" deep?
25 cu ft of mulch — that's 13 bags at 2 cu ft each, 9 bags at 3 cu ft each, or about 0.93 cubic yards in bulk.
How deep should I lay mulch?
2–3 inches is standard for established beds. New beds can take 3–4". Don't pile against tree trunks ("volcano mulching") — it rots the bark.
What's cheaper, bulk or bagged mulch?
Bulk wins above ~3 cu yds (≈40 bags) for most regions. Bagged wins for small projects or when you can't accept a delivery dump.
How often should I replace mulch?
Wood mulches break down 25–50% per year. Most yards top up annually with 1–1.5" instead of stripping and replacing.