# Mulch Calculator

Area and depth to cubic yards and bags.

- Page: https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/mulch-yardage
- Category: Earthwork (https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/c/earthwork)
- Chinese version: https://jianzhujisuan.com/zh/mulch-yardage.md
- Data checked: 2026-10-25

## Quick result

With the default inputs (Bed area 300 ft², Spread depth 3 in, Waste 5%): **Mulch required 2.92 yd³**

## Inputs

| Parameter | Type | Default | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bed area | number | 300 | ft² |  |
| Spread depth | number | 3 | in |  |
| Waste | number | 5 | % |  |

## Formula

- **Volume (ft³) = area × depth(in)/12**: 
- **Cubic yards = volume ÷ 27**: 1 yard = 27 ft³
- **Bags = volume ÷ 2 (2 ft³ bags)**: 

## Worked example

300 ft² of beds at 3 in with 5% waste: 300 × 0.25 × 1.05 = 78.8 ft³ = 2.92 cubic yards, or 40 bags of 2 ft³. Ordering 3 yards costs less than half of buying those 40 bags.

## Questions

### What depth should I use?

3 in is the general optimum: enough to block light and hold moisture without starving roots of air. Over existing mulch, top up 1-2 in to reach 3 in overall rather than adding another 3 in each year - it builds up into a water-shedding crust.

### Bags or bulk?

Under 1 yard bags are convenient; above 2 yards bulk is far cheaper, often half the unit price. Bulk needs somewhere for the truck to tip - a long enough drive and firm ground, because barrowing it from a distance wrecks your day. A middle option: many yards will load a half yard into a pickup.

### Does mulch attract termites?

Bark and woodchip do not in themselves. What attracts them is mulch piled high against the house wall and staying wet, so keep a 6 in clear strip at the foundation exposing it. Fresh mulch also ties up nitrogen at the surface while it breaks down, so fertilise beneath it or use well-rotted compost instead.

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- [Backfill Volume Calculator](https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/backfill): Backfill volume, soil required, surplus to remove and truck loads.
- [Compaction Degree Calculator](https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/compaction): Dry density and compaction degree from field density, with a pass/fail check.
- [Gravel Base Calculator (Yards & Tons)](https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/gravel-base-yards): Feet and inches to cubic yards and tons by stone type.
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- [Paver Base and Sand Calculator](https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/paver-base): Gravel base and bedding sand from one area figure.

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