Whether you're refreshing landscape beds, amending garden soil, or establishing a new lawn, knowing exactly how much material to order saves money and multiple trips. This calculator converts your area and desired depth into cubic yards, bags, and weight so you can order from any supplier.
The Formula
Volume (cubic yards) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27. For bagged material, multiply cubic yards by 27 to get cubic feet, then divide by the bag size (typically 2 cu ft per bag).
Recommended Depths
Mulch for garden beds — 2"–3" for weed suppression and moisture retention
Mulch for playgrounds — 6"–12" for fall protection (CPSC guidelines)
Topsoil for new lawns — 4"–6" of quality topsoil for grass establishment
Topsoil for gardens — 6"–12" blended with existing soil
Compost topdressing — 1"–2" spread over existing lawn or beds
Topsoil vs. Compost
Topsoil is native soil screened for debris — it provides structure and volume. Compost is decomposed organic matter rich in nutrients. For best results, blend 60% topsoil with 40% compost when filling raised beds or amending poor soil.
Bulk vs. Bagged: Cost Comparison
Bulk mulch costs $25–$45 per cubic yard (delivered) — best for 3+ cubic yards
Bagged mulch costs $4–$6 per 2 cu ft bag — roughly $55–$80 per cubic yard
Bulk is 30–50% cheaper per yard but requires delivery and wheelbarrowing
Bagged is convenient for small jobs under 2 cubic yards
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