Advanced Calculators
Mulch & Soil Calculator - Calculate Cubic Yards & Bags
Calculate mulch, soil, compost, and topsoil needed for landscaping. Get accurate estimates in cubic yards, cubic feet, and bags. Includes cost calculation and coverage recommendations.
Use Mulch & Soil Calculator - Calculate Cubic Yards & Bags to get instant results without uploads or sign-ups. Everything runs securely in your browser for fast, reliable output.
Your results will appear here.
About this tool
Our Mulch & Soil Calculator is the ultimate free tool for estimating landscaping materials for any outdoor project. Whether you're mulching garden beds, adding topsoil to your lawn, spreading compost in vegetable gardens, or filling raised beds, this calculator provides accurate estimates in cubic yards (for bulk delivery), cubic feet, and number of bags (for retail purchases). The calculator supports multiple material types including bark mulch, wood chips, rubber mulch, topsoil, compost, potting soil, and garden soil, each with different densities and coverage characteristics.
Understanding how much material you need is crucial for successful landscaping. Too little mulch or soil means extra trips to the store or additional delivery charges. Too much means wasted money and disposal hassles. Our calculator eliminates guesswork by supporting three common area shapes: rectangles (for standard beds), circles (for tree rings and round planters), and irregular areas (where you enter square footage directly). The depth selector helps you choose the right thickness - typically 2-3 inches for mulch, 4-6 inches for soil amendment, or custom depths for special applications like raised beds.
The cost comparison feature is invaluable for budget planning. Enter either the price per bag for retail purchases or the price per cubic yard for bulk delivery. The calculator shows both options, helping you decide whether bags from the garden center or bulk delivery is more economical. Generally, bags are convenient for small projects (under 3 cubic yards), while bulk delivery is more cost-effective for larger landscaping jobs. The tool also calculates weight estimates, which is important if you're hauling materials yourself - topsoil can weigh 2,000+ pounds per cubic yard.
All calculations use industry-standard formulas and coverage rates verified by professional landscapers. The tool includes helpful recommendations for depth based on application (2-3" for weed suppression, 3-4" for moisture retention, 4-6" for soil building). It's completely free, requires no registration, and works entirely in your browser. Perfect for homeowners, landscapers, gardeners, and groundskeepers who need accurate material estimates.
Usage examples
Garden Bed Mulch
20 ft × 10 ft × 3 inches deep
Volume: 1.85 cubic yards, 50 cubic feet, ~25 bags (2 cu ft)
Tree Ring
6 ft radius × 4 inches deep
Volume: 1.40 cubic yards, 38 cubic feet, ~19 bags (2 cu ft)
Topsoil for Lawn
1,000 sq ft area × 6 inches deep
Volume: 18.5 cubic yards, 500 cubic feet, ~167 bags (3 cu ft)
Raised Garden Bed
8 ft × 4 ft × 12 inches deep
Volume: 1.19 cubic yards, 32 cubic feet, ~16 bags (2 cu ft)
How to use
- Select your material type (Mulch, Topsoil, Compost, or Garden Soil)
- Choose your area shape (Rectangle, Circle, or Irregular)
- Enter dimensions: length, width, or radius in feet
- Enter desired depth in inches
- Specify bag size (1, 2, or 3 cubic feet) or bulk price per cubic yard
- View instant results with cubic yards, bags needed, and total cost
Benefits
- Accurate calculations for mulch, soil, compost, and topsoil
- Support for rectangular, circular, and irregular areas
- Results in cubic yards, cubic feet, and number of bags
- Cost comparison between bagged and bulk materials
- Built-in depth recommendations for different applications
- Weight estimates for DIY hauling
- Instant calculations as you adjust dimensions
- Mobile-friendly for use at garden centers
- No registration or personal data required
- Based on professional landscaping standards
- Prevents over-ordering and under-ordering
- Includes coverage tips and application advice
FAQs
How deep should mulch be?
For most landscaping applications, 2-3 inches of mulch is ideal for weed suppression and moisture retention. Use 3-4 inches for maximum weed control and in hot climates. Avoid depths over 4 inches as this can suffocate plant roots and create moisture problems. For decorative purposes, 2 inches is sufficient.
How many bags of mulch equal a cubic yard?
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. If using 2 cubic foot bags, you need 13.5 bags per cubic yard. For 3 cubic foot bags, you need 9 bags per cubic yard. Bulk mulch delivered by the cubic yard is usually more economical for projects requiring 3+ cubic yards.
Should I buy bagged or bulk mulch?
For small projects (under 3 cubic yards or about 40 bags), bagged mulch from a garden center is convenient. For larger projects, bulk delivery is more economical - typically 30-50% cheaper per cubic yard. Bulk mulch also has less packaging waste and greater material consistency.
How much topsoil do I need for a lawn?
For new lawn installation, spread 4-6 inches of quality topsoil. For overseeding or topdressing existing lawns, use 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 1 cubic yard per 1,000 square feet). For filling low spots, use 2-4 inches. Always use screened topsoil free of rocks and debris for best results.
What is the difference between topsoil and compost?
Topsoil is the upper layer of earth containing minerals and some organic matter, used as the base for planting. Compost is decomposed organic matter rich in nutrients, used to improve soil structure and fertility. Most gardens benefit from a mix: topsoil for volume and structure, compost (20-30% by volume) for nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.
How much does a cubic yard of mulch or soil weigh?
Weights vary by material and moisture content: Bark mulch weighs 400-800 lbs per cubic yard, wood chips 400-600 lbs, rubber mulch 600-800 lbs, topsoil 1,700-2,400 lbs, and compost 1,000-1,600 lbs. Always consider weight limits if hauling materials yourself - a half-ton truck can safely carry about 1 cubic yard of topsoil.
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