You enter the bed length and width in feet and the desired mulch depth in inches. The tool converts depth to feet, multiplies length × width × depth to get cubic feet, divides by 27 for cubic yards, and divides by 2 for bag count (rounded up). It assumes a uniform rectangular area and does not account for existing mulch depth or irregular bed shapes.
Two to three inches is the standard recommendation for most ornamental beds. Going deeper than four inches can suffocate plant roots and trap too much moisture, while less than two inches breaks down quickly and may not suppress weeds effectively.
For projects under about 3 cubic yards, bagged mulch from a garden center is convenient and easy to transport. For larger areas, bulk delivery is significantly cheaper per cubic yard and saves trips, though you will need a place to dump and stage it.
Organic mulches like wood chips and bark generally need refreshing once a year — typically in spring. Over time they decompose and thin out, losing their weed-suppression and moisture-retention benefits.
Yes. Hardwood bark lasts longer but decomposes slowly. Pine straw is lighter and works well on slopes. Rubber mulch does not decompose but is not suitable for edible gardens. Choose based on your bed type, aesthetics, and maintenance preferences.
Estimate only. Results reflect your inputs and standard formulas. Double-check important decisions independently.