Mulch Calculator
Calculate cubic yards of mulch needed for garden beds and landscaping
Enter Dimensions
Enter your dimensions above to see results
Tips & Notes
- •2"–3" of mulch is ideal for weed suppression and moisture retention.
- •Don't pile mulch against tree trunks or plant stems — leave a 2" gap.
- •One cubic yard covers about 100 sq ft at 3" depth.
- •Shredded hardwood mulch lasts longer than wood chips or pine straw.
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Materials & Supplies
Tools You'll Need
Pro tips for mulch
- ›2"–3" of mulch is ideal for weed suppression and moisture retention.
- ›Don't pile mulch against tree trunks or plant stems — leave a 2" gap.
- ›One cubic yard covers about 100 sq ft at 3" depth.
- ›Shredded hardwood mulch lasts longer than wood chips or pine straw.
Frequently asked questions
How much mulch do I need for 100 sq ft of garden bed?▾
At 3" depth, 100 sq ft needs 0.93 cubic yards — about 12 bags of 2 cubic feet each. At 2" depth (refresh layer), you need 0.62 yards or 8 bags. The calculator above does this by exact bed area.
How deep should mulch be?▾
2"–3" is ideal for weed suppression and moisture retention. Less than 2" doesn't block weeds; more than 4" can suffocate roots and cause water to run off. Leave a 2"–3" gap around tree trunks — never volcano-mulch.
Bagged vs. bulk mulch — which is cheaper?▾
Bulk is roughly 30–40% cheaper for any project over 1 cubic yard. A 2 cu ft bag holds ~0.074 cubic yards, so 1 yard = 13.5 bags. Bagged is convenient for small beds; bulk delivery (with $50–$100 fee) wins for larger projects.
What type of mulch lasts longest?▾
Shredded hardwood mulch lasts 2–3 years before decomposing. Pine bark nuggets last 3–5 years. Rubber and stone 'mulches' last indefinitely. Dyed mulches hold color longer but the dye doesn't affect longevity. Avoid 'mulch' that's actually waste wood — it can attract termites.
How much does mulch cost in 2026?▾
Bulk hardwood mulch runs $20–$50/cubic yard delivered. Dyed mulch (black, brown, red) runs $30–$60/yard. Premium pine bark and cedar run $40–$80/yard. Bagged at retail runs $3–$6 per 2 cu ft bag.