About This Tool
### Estimate Like a Pro Landscaper
Ordering mulch or topsoil is expensive.
* **Order too little**: You have bare spots and have to pay a second delivery fee.
* **Order too much**: You have a giant pile of dirt killing your driveway grass.
**Mulch Calculator** determines exactly how many Cubic Yards (or bags) you need based on the square footage and depth.
### Common Depths
* **2 Inches**: Standard aesthetic layer for new beds.
* **3 Inches**: Recommended for weed suppression and moisture retention.
* **4-6 Inches**: Often used for playgrounds (Soft Fall wood chips).
Key Features
- **Rectangular Area**: Input Length × Width in feet.
- **Depth Adjustment**: Set mulch depth in inches.
- **Bulk vs Bagged**: Compares 'Cubic Yards' vs '2.0 cu ft Bags'.
- **Exact Formula**: Uses standard formulas: (Area × Depth) / 324.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should mulch be?
A standard depth is 2-3 inches. This allows for weed suppression and moisture retention without suffocating plant roots. Piling it too high ('Volcano Mulching') can kill trees.
What is a Cubic Yard?
A Cubic Yard is a volume of 3ft x 3ft x 3ft. It is the standard unit for bulk delivery. One cubic yard covers roughly 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep.
How much does a yard cover?
At 3 inches deep, 1 yard covers ~108 square feet. At 2 inches deep, it covers ~162 square feet.