How this calculator works
It multiplies your bed’s length, width and depth to find the volume, then converts that into cubic yards (for bulk) and 2-cubic-foot bags (the common store size).
Worked example — a 20 ft × 5 ft bed at 3 inches deep:
20 × 5 × (3 ÷ 12) = 25 cubic feet → 25 ÷ 27 = 0.93 cubic yards. In bags: 25 ÷ 2 = 13 bags.
20 × 5 × (3 ÷ 12) = 25 cubic feet → 25 ÷ 27 = 0.93 cubic yards. In bags: 25 ÷ 2 = 13 bags.
Bags or bulk?
Under about 1 cubic yard (~13 bags), bagged mulch is convenient. For larger areas, bulk delivery is usually cheaper per unit — the break-even is often around 1.5–2 cubic yards.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of mulch are in a yard?
13.5 bags of the standard 2 cubic foot size make up one cubic yard.
How deep should mulch be?
2–3 inches is ideal — enough to suppress weeds and hold moisture without smothering roots.