Mulch guide
How Much Mulch Do I Need?
The amount of mulch you need depends on the length, width, and depth of the area you want to cover. Mulch is usually measured in cubic yards, cubic feet, or bags.
Multiply length by width by depth to find volume. If using inches for depth, convert the depth to feet first. Then divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards.
Use the Mulch Calculator →Mulch Formula
Depth must be in feet before using the formula. For example, 3 inches is 0.25 feet.
Common Mulch Estimates
| Area Size | Depth | Mulch Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 2 in | 0.62 yd³ |
| 10 × 10 ft | 3 in | 0.93 yd³ |
| 20 × 8 ft | 3 in | 1.48 yd³ |
| 25 × 10 ft | 3 in | 2.31 yd³ |
Example
A 20 ft by 8 ft garden bed at 3 inches deep is about 40 cubic feet. Dividing by 27 gives about 1.48 cubic yards. With 5% waste, plan for about 1.56 cubic yards.
Should You Add Extra Mulch?
Yes. A 5–10% waste allowance helps account for spreading variation, uneven beds, settling, and curved or irregular garden shapes.