Raised Bed Soil Calculator
Calculate the exact volume of soil needed to fill any size raised garden bed. Get cubic feet, cubic yards, and bag counts instantly.
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🪵 Mulch Calculator
Calculate how many cubic yards or bags of mulch you need for any garden bed, tree ring, or path.
📐 Enter Your Dimensions
💡 2" maintains existing beds · 3" is standard · 4" for weed control
$/yd³
📊 Your Results
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Cubic Yards
Cubic Feet—
2 cu ft Bags—
3 cu ft Bags—
Coverage Area—
Estimated Cost
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Bulk: $25–$45/yd³. Bags: $4–$7 each. Delivery extra.
How to Calculate How Much Mulch You Need
Mulch is one of the best investments in your garden — it retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, suppresses weeds, and slowly enriches the soil as it decomposes. But buying the wrong amount is costly and frustrating. This calculator takes the guesswork out.
The Mulch Formula
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in inches) ÷ 324
Example: A 20×10 ft bed at 3" deep: 20 × 10 × 3 ÷ 324 = 1.85 cubic yards.
Recommended Mulch Depths
- Topping off existing beds: 1–2 inches
- New garden bed, maintenance: 2–3 inches
- Weed suppression: 3–4 inches
- Tree ring mulching: 3–4 inches (never pile against trunk)
- Playground safety surface: 6–9 inches
Types of Mulch and Their Benefits
- Shredded hardwood: Most popular, long-lasting 2–3 years, locks in place
- Cedar/cypress: Natural pest deterrent, aromatic, very durable
- Pine bark nuggets: Great for shrub beds, floats in rain on slopes
- Straw/hay: Excellent for vegetable gardens and overseeded lawns
- Rubber mulch: Long-lasting, best for playgrounds
🚚 Bulk vs. Bags
A cubic yard covers 162 sq ft at 2". Bulk delivery saves 40–60% vs. bags for any order over 2 cubic yards. Most suppliers deliver in 3–10+ yard loads.
📅 Best Time to Mulch
Apply mulch in spring after soil warms, and again in fall for winter protection. Remove old mulch if it's matted or develop fungus before re-applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 2 cubic foot bag: 13.5 bags per cubic yard. A 3 cubic foot bag: 9 bags per cubic yard. Always buy bulk if ordering more than 2 cubic yards — it's dramatically cheaper.
For general garden beds, 2–3 inches is ideal. At 3 inches, you get excellent weed suppression and moisture retention. Never exceed 4 inches or you risk starving roots of oxygen and creating a habitat for pests.
Shredded wood mulch decomposes and needs refreshing every 1–2 years. Add a 1-inch layer each spring rather than removing old mulch (which is now enriching your soil). Cedar and rubber mulch last longer.
No. Keep mulch at least 6 inches away from your home's foundation and wood siding. Mulch against the house retains moisture, attracts termites, and can cause rot. Use gravel or river rock as a 'buffer zone' next to foundations.