Mulch & Topsoil Calculator
Enter your bed area and depth to get cubic yards for bulk delivery or the number of bags, for mulch, topsoil, or garden soil.
How to estimate mulch and topsoil
Multiply the bed's length, width, and depth, all in feet, to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Depth is the number that changes most by project: a fresh mulch bed usually wants 2–3 inches, while topsoil for filling or leveling a lawn area can run much deeper depending on the grade change.
Bags or bulk?
For small beds, bagged material is easiest, with no leftover pile to deal with. Past roughly 3 cubic yards, bulk delivery is typically cheaper per cubic foot, since bags carry retail packaging costs.
Mulch & topsoil FAQ
How deep should mulch be applied?
Most garden beds need 2 to 3 inches. Less doesn't suppress weeds well; more than 4 inches can smother roots and trap moisture against the stem.
How many bags of mulch equal a cubic yard?
A standard 2 cubic foot bag is the most common size, and it takes about 13.5 bags to equal one cubic yard (27 cubic feet).
Is bulk or bagged mulch cheaper?
Bulk delivered by the yard is typically cheaper once you need more than about 3 cubic yards. For small beds, bags are more convenient and leave nothing over.