Mulch Bed Calculator: Yards, Bags & Size Chart

Mulch Bed size chart @ 3"

5% waste included. Tap a size for depth options, cost and the full material list.

Size	Area	Cubic yards	2 cu ft bags	Tons
8x8	64 sq ft	0.62 yd³	9	0.19
10x10	100 sq ft	0.97 yd³	14	0.29
10x12	120 sq ft	1.17 yd³	16	0.35
12x12	144 sq ft	1.40 yd³	19	0.42
12x16	192 sq ft	1.87 yd³	26	0.56
12x20	240 sq ft	2.33 yd³	32	0.70
16x20	320 sq ft	3.11 yd³	42	0.93
20x20	400 sq ft	3.89 yd³	53	1.17
20x24	480 sq ft	4.67 yd³	63	1.40
24x24	576 sq ft	5.60 yd³	76	1.68
24x30	720 sq ft	7.00 yd³	95	2.10
30x40	1200 sq ft	11.67 yd³	158	3.50
40x60	2400 sq ft	23.33 yd³	315	7.00

How the math works

Keep mulch 2"–3" away from trunks and siding — no "mulch volcanoes".
Refreshing an existing bed usually only needs 1"–2" on top.
One cubic yard of bulk mulch = 13.5 two-cu-ft bags.
A half-ton pickup carries 2–3 yd³ of mulch; a full-size bed with sides can take about 3.

2"–3" for most beds; 3"–4" for new beds with heavy weeds. Deeper than 4" can starve roots of oxygen.

13.5 bags of 2 cu ft (27 cu ft per yd³). With 3 cu ft bags, 9 bags.

A 2 cu ft bag covers 12 sq ft at 2", 8 sq ft at 3", and 6 sq ft at 4".

Usually above 2–3 cubic yards. Bulk runs ~$30–$50/yd³ plus delivery vs ~$54 per yard in $4 bags.