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Everyday MathFree

Mulch and Soil Calculator

Find how many cubic feet or cubic yards of mulch, soil, or compost you need for a rectangular bed. Choose a common bag size in cubic feet to estimate bag count.

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Result

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Formula

#
Core Formula
Volume (cu ft) = length (ft) x width (ft) x depth (in) / 12.

How it works: Multiply the bed area in square feet by depth in feet. Bags divide total cubic feet by the size printed on the bag (2 or 3 cubic feet are typical for mulch).

Worked Example

Bed 20 ft by 3 ft, mulch 3 inches deep, 2 cu ft bags:
1Step 1: Volume = 20 x 3 x (3/12) = 15 cu ft
2Step 2: Cubic yards = 15 / 27 = 0.56 cu yd
3Step 3: Bags = ceil(15 / 2) = 8 bags

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should mulch be?

Two to three inches is typical for weed control and moisture. Thicker layers can suffocate plant roots in some beds.

Are bulk loads cheaper than bags?

Often yes for large areas. Use the cubic yard number to compare quotes from a nursery or landscape supply yard.

Does compost use the same math?

Yes. Volume is the same. Only the product and bag size on the label change.

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