How Many Bags of Mulch Do I Need?

By Vinod Kondeti · Updated October 14, 2026

If you already know the area, this is the quickest way to a shopping list. Scotts' own table says a 1.5 cu ft bag covers 6 ft² at 3 inches. That matches the math (1.5 × 12 ÷ 3 = 6), and this calculator uses the same rule for any bag size.

Area (ft²)Depth (in)Extra for waste / settling (%)Bag size (ft³)

Cost estimate (optional, enter your local prices)

Price per bag ($)Bulk price per yd³ ($)Bulk delivery fee ($)

Cubic yards	–
Cubic feet	–
Cubic meters	–
Bags	–
Cost in bags	–
Cost in bulk (incl. delivery)	–
Cheaper option	–

Working: –

How do I measure for a mulch bags project?

Change the bag size to whatever is printed on the bag you are buying.
Round up to whole bags. The calculator does this for you.
Fine shredded mulches may be sold for a thinner layer. Scotts rates its Triple Shred at 2 inches.

How is the mulch bags amount calculated?

Cubic feet = length × width × (depth in inches ÷ 12)
Cubic yards = ft³ ÷ 27
Bags = ft³ ÷ bag size (ft³), rounded up
One bag covers (bag ft³ × 12) ÷ depth (in) square feet; 1 yd³ covers 324 ÷ depth (in) ft²
Extra for waste/settling: volume × (1 + % ÷ 100)
Round bed: π × (d ÷ 2)²; tree ring: π ÷ 4 × (outer² − inner²)
Bulk cost = yd³ × $/yd³ + delivery; bag cost = bags × $/bag

Mulch bags calculator questions

How many 2 cu ft bags for 100 ft² at 3 inches?

25 ft³ ÷ 2 = 12.5, so 13 bags before extra (14 with the 10% default).

How many 1.5 cu ft bags for the same area?

25 ÷ 1.5 = 16.7, so 17 bags before extra.

Sources

Estimates only. Use the coverage or bag size printed on your product. Read the mulch guide for worked examples.