Master yard mulch calculator with this complete guide. Includes step-by-step instructions for using mulch calculators, formulas for different shaped beds, factors that impact mulch depth, and tips to choose the right mulch type. The mulch installation cost calculator is proper for a thriving garden.
Mulch Calculator
Result:
Mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of soil.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Mulch Calculator
Using the mulch calculator for different shaped areas:
Square/Rectangle:
- Measure length and width in feet
- Multiply length x width to get an area in square feet
- Multiply area by depth in inches
- Divide by 324 to convert to cubic yards
Example: 10 ft x 20 ft rectangle with 3″ depth Area = 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft Cubic inches = 200 x 3 = 600 Cubic yards = 600/324 = 1.85
Triangle:
- Measure base and height in feet
- Area = (base x height) / 2
- Follow the square/rectangle steps for the rest of the calculation
Circle:
- Measure diameter in feet
- Area = π x (diameter/2)2
- Follow the square/rectangle steps for the rest of the calculation
Trapezoid:
- Add lengths of parallel sides a and b
- Multiply the sum by height, h
- Divide by 2 to get the area
- Follow the square/rectangle steps for the rest of the calculation
Annulus (Ring):
- Measure outer and inner diameters
- Outer area = π x (outer diameter/2)2
- Inner area = π x (inner diameter/2)2
- Subtract the inner area from the outer area
- Follow the square/rectangle steps for the rest of the calculation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how much mulch I need?
First, measure the area you want to mulch in square feet. To do this, multiply the length by the width. For example, for a 10 ft by 20 ft area, the area would be 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft.
Next, decide how deep you want the mulch to be. A depth of 2-3 inches is typical. For this example, let’s assume a 3-inch depth.
Now, multiply the area by the depth in inches and divide by 324. This will convert to cubic yards of mulch needed.
For our example: 200 sq ft x 3 inch depth / 324 = 1.85 cubic yards
So, for a 10 ft by 20 ft area with a 3-inch mulch depth, you would need approximately 1.85 cubic yards of mulch. Always round up when purchasing mulch and buy extra on hand as needed. Follow these steps to easily calculate mulch needs for any size and shape area you want to cover.
How do I figure out how much mulch I need for my circular flower bed that is 5 feet across?
For a circular bed, use the formula: Cubic yards of mulch = 3.14 x (Radius in feet)2 x Depth in inches / 324. The calculation for a 5-foot diameter circle with a 3-inch depth would be Cubic yards = 3.14 x (2.5 ft radius)2 x 3 in / 324 = 0.44 cubic yards.
I’m mulching a new tree I just planted. The tree ring is 3 feet wide all the way around. How much mulch should I get?
Calculate the area of the tree ring by doing 3.14 x (Radius)2. The radius is 1.5 ft if the ring is 3 ft wide. So the area is 3.14 x (1.5 ft)2 = 7.1 sq ft. With 3 inch depth, the cubic yards would be 7.1 x 3 in / 324 = 0.07 cubic yards. Round up to 0.1 cubic yards.
My lawn is rectangular, about 40 feet by 60 feet. How many cubic yards do I need if I mulch the whole thing at a 2-inch depth?
Calculate the 40 ft x 60 ft = 2400 sq ft. With 2 inch depth, the cubic yards needed is 2400 x 2 in / 324 = 14.8 cubic yards. Round up to 15 cubic yards.
I want to mulch a path through my vegetable garden that is 20 feet long by 3 feet wide. How much mulch?
The area is 20 ft x 3 ft = 60 sq ft. With 3 inch depth, cubic yards is 60 sq ft x 3 in / 324 = 0.56 cubic yards. Round up to 0.6 cubic yards.
