By weight
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By the yard
Mulch calculator
Estimate mulch for beds and landscaping for garden beds, borders and tree rings — in cubic yards and tons, with the density built in and editable.
Area & depth
FIG. 01required
required
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Default density 0.4 tons/yd³ for mulch for beds and landscaping. Bulk material varies with moisture and compaction — override the density if your supplier quotes a specific figure.
You need
—cu yd
Order to nearest ½ yd → —
Coverage area
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How this is calculated
Most beds use 2–3 inches of mulch. Multiply area by depth and convert to cubic yards. Mulch is light — about 0.4 tons per cubic yard — so it's usually sold and priced by the yard, not the ton.
cubic yards = (length × width × depth in ft) ÷ 27 · tons = cubic yards × 0.4
Densities vary by moisture and source; see the methodology for figures and sources. Other materials are on the materials hub.
FAQ
How much mulch do I need?
Most beds use 2–3 inches of mulch. Multiply area by depth and convert to cubic yards. Mulch is light — about 0.4 tons per cubic yard — so it's usually sold and priced by the yard, not the ton.
How many bags of mulch in a cubic yard?
Bagged mulch is commonly 2 cubic feet per bag, so a cubic yard (27 ft³) is about 13–14 bags. Bulk by the yard is cheaper for larger beds.