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Mulch Calculator

Estimate mulch for a rectangular bed in cubic yards and whole bags.

Your project measurements

ft
ft
in
ft³
%
$

Results update as you type. U.S. units. Defaults are editable planning examples. Use product labels and supplier specifications.

Your material plan

Enter your measurements to see your plan.

A quantity estimate, not a supplier quote. Confirm order increments, delivery and project specifications.

MaterialScope.com · Plan it. Measure it. Build it.

How this calculation works

Enter measurements above to see the worked calculation.

Choose depth before quantity

For a 20 by 12-foot bed at 3 inches, volume is 60 cubic feet or 2.2222 cubic yards. At 2 cubic feet per bag, that is 30 bags before any extra allowance. Use an average depth that accounts for existing mulch, rather than layering the same amount on top every season.

Leave room around trunks

University of Maryland Extension recommends a 2–3-inch layer for trees and shrubs and keeping mulch about 3 inches away from the base of trunks. Plant type and site conditions matter; deeper is not automatically better.

Product reference: University of Maryland Extension: mulching trees and shrubs. Confirm the current label for your chosen product.

Make the estimate your own

Measure the actual area, choose your product and update the allowance. Costs use the price you enter. Delivery, tax, labor and preparation are excluded unless this tool has a separate field for them. The result rounds whole packages up; displayed decimal quantities are not supplier order increments.

Before you order

  • Check dimensions and units, including depth and openings.
  • Confirm the selected product’s coverage, yield or density.
  • Ask your supplier about package sizes, minimum orders and delivery access.
  • Keep a copy of your measurements with your material plan.

Method v1.0 · Updated October 12, 2026. Read our methodology.