Mulch Calculator
Map your yard, calculate your mulch
Tap to drop a point · drag a point to adjust · tap a point to remove it. Each edge shows its length.
How the mulch calculator works
Most homeowners overpay for mulch because they don't know exactly how much they need. This free calculator gives you the precise cubic yards for any flower bed, tree ring, or full landscape. Two ways to measure:
- Map mode. Search your address, then trace your yard on satellite imagery. Got more than one bed? Trace each one as its own zone. Square footage is calculated automatically.
- Traditional mode. Already know your dimensions? Enter length × width × depth for each area manually. Works in feet or meters.
How to use
- Search your address or tap My location.
- Click around your mulched area to drop polygon points. Tap New zone to trace another bed.
- Set the depth. 2 to 4 inches is typical, with 3 inches the sweet spot for most beds. Fine-tune it by half an inch.
- The cubic yards you'll need update instantly as you draw.
Why use mulch?
A good mulch layer locks in soil moisture, suppresses weeds, buffers temperature swings, prevents erosion, and gives any landscape a finished look. Organic mulches like shredded bark, wood chips, pine straw, and compost also feed the soil as they slowly break down.
Frequently asked questions
How much mulch do I need for my yard?
Most beds want 2 to 4 inches deep. As a rough guide, 1 cubic yard covers about 100 square feet at 3 inches. For an exact number, trace your yard on a satellite map with the calculator above.
How accurate is the satellite tracing?
Satellite imagery is typically accurate to within 1 to 2 feet for residential properties. Zoom in close, trace carefully along bed edges, and add about 10% to your final number to cover variation.
How many bags is one cubic yard of mulch?
1 cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, or roughly 13 to 14 standard 2 cubic-foot bags. Bulk mulch from a local landscape supplier is dramatically cheaper than buying bagged at a big-box store.
Should I round up when ordering mulch?
Add about 10% to your calculated amount to cover edge variation and the inevitable 'I should have done a bit more.' Bulk deliveries typically round up to the nearest half-yard.
Want a deeper dive on choosing mulch, when to apply it, and the mistakes to avoid? Read the EcoMulch Mulch Guide.