How to estimate mulch for garden beds
Area × depth gives volume; convert to cubic yards and round up.
Mulch is sold by volume, but you measure beds by area. The bridge is depth: a thin top-up needs far less than a fresh 3-inch layer.
This guide helps you measure beds quickly and choose a realistic depth for your goals.
Step-by-step: mulch math
- Measure bed area (rectangles, circles, or break irregular beds into shapes).
- Choose a target depth (often 2–3 inches for many beds).
- Convert area × depth to volume (cubic feet or cubic meters).
- Convert volume to cubic yards if that’s how your supplier sells mulch.
- Round up and consider extra if the bed has dips, slopes, or you’re topping up unevenly.
Practical tips
- Depth matters more than people expect—double the depth doubles the volume.
- Fresh mulch settles; add a little buffer.
- Avoid piling mulch against tree trunks (“mulch volcano”).
- If you’re re-mulching, measure how much old mulch you’ll remove or level first.
Want the quick yardage estimate?
Use our mulch calculator and share a link that keeps your inputs.
FAQ
How deep should mulch be?
Many beds use 2–3 inches. Thin top-ups may be 1 inch; weed suppression often needs more, depending on conditions.
How many cubic yards of mulch do I need?
Compute bed area × depth to get volume, then convert to cubic yards and round up.
Should I buy extra mulch?
A small buffer helps cover settling and uneven beds, and it reduces the chance of running short mid-project.
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