Mulch Calculator

Our Mulch Calculator helps you determine the exact amount of mulch needed for your garden or landscaping project. Whether you’re planning to enhance your flower beds, trees, or pathways, this tool simplifies the process by accounting for area size, desired mulch depth, and material costs.

How to Calculate Mulch Volume and Cost

1. Calculate Area Dimensions:
   • For square or rectangular areas: Multiply the length by the width.
   • For circular areas: Use the formula:
     \text{Volume (cubic feet)} = \text{Area (sq ft)} \times \text{Depth (ft)}
   • For irregular shapes: Estimate the area by dividing it into smaller sections and summing them.
2. Convert Depth to Feet:
   Convert your desired mulch depth (in inches or cm) to feet.
3. Volume Calculation Formula:
   \text{Volume (cubic feet)} = \text{Area (sq ft)} \times \text{Depth (ft)}
   Convert cubic feet to cubic yards using:
   \text{Volume (cubic yards)} = \frac{\text{Volume (cubic feet)}}{27}
4. Cost Calculation:
   Multiply the total mulch volume (in cubic yards) by the cost per cubic yard.

Example: Mulch Calculation for a Rectangular Flower Bed

• Dimensions: 20 ft (Length) × 10 ft (Width)
• Depth: 3 inches
• Cost per Cubic Yard: $50

Calculate the area:

20 \, \text{ft} \times 10 \, \text{ft} = 200 \, \text{sq ft}

Convert depth to feet:

3 \, \text{inches} = 0.25 \, \text{ft}

Calculate volume in cubic feet:

200 \, \text{sq ft} \times 0.25 \, \text{ft} = 50 \, \text{cubic feet}

Convert to cubic yards:

\frac{50}{27} = 1.85 \, \text{cubic yards}

Calculate cost:

1.85 \, \text{cubic yards} \times 50 = \$92.50

Common Mulch Materials and Their Benefits

Material	Cost (per cubic yard)	Benefits
Hardwood Bark Mulch	$30–$40	Long-lasting, suppresses weeds, improves soil.
Cedar Mulch	$50–$60	Repels insects, aromatic, long-lasting.
Pine Straw	$15–$25	Affordable, natural appearance, enriches soil.
Rubber Mulch	$80–$100	Durable, low-maintenance, great for playgrounds.