How To Measure Mulch Needed

Here is a review of measuring an area and then calculating cubic yards of mulch required to cover that area. With a tape measure, get the length and width of the area you want to mulch. Then determine the depth of mulch you need. The formula is width times length and multiply by thickness (whatever application requires, generally from 3-4 inches thick on new flower or planting beds).

Example:

A flower bed is 20 feet long by 4 feet wide and application will be 4 inches thick. (Four inches equals 1/3 of a foot). 20' long x 4' wide x .334 = approximately 27 cubic feet

Bulk Mulch

Buying bark mulch in bulk, take the cubic feet needed to cover entire area and divide by 27. (There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.) So if you know the cubic feet and want to figure cubic yards, divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards.

Bulk Mulch Example:

Let's go back to our flower bed.  We know the area is approximately 27 cubic feet.  Divide that by 27 = 1 cubic yard needed to cover the entire area.

Mulch Calculator

Mulch Guy Bark has set up a mulch calculator to make it a simple process to know how much mulch is needed. We do the math for you to make it easier for you to order.