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Mulch and topsoil calculator

Enter the size of your beds or lawn and the depth you want to spread. You get the volume in cubic metres, cubic yards and cubic feet, and the number of bags if you enter the bag size.

Units
Volume needed1.11cu ydYour results
Material

Choosing a material fills in a suggested depth. You can change it.

Area to cover

Measure each bed or section. Add an area for each one.

Area 1
ft
ft

Total area: 120 sq ft

in

Penn State Extension recommends a 2 to 4 in (5 to 10 cm) layer of organic mulch, and no more.

cu ft

Printed on the bag, in litres or cubic feet (2 cu ft = 56.6 L). Leave blank for bulk delivery.

Your results

Volume needed

1.11cu yd

Volume needed
0.85m³
Volume needed
30cu ft

Enter the bag volume to count bags.

Estimates for planning only. Confirm quantities with your supplier or contractor before you order.

On this page

How to measure for the mulch and topsoil calculator

  1. Measure the length and width of each bed or lawn section and enter each one as a separate area.
  2. For a round or curved bed, enter a rectangle that encloses it; the result will be slightly generous.
  3. Choose the depth for your material (see the assumptions below).
  4. If you buy bags, read the volume printed on the bag, in litres or cubic feet.

Assumptions behind the mulch and topsoil calculator

Every default below appears in the calculator and can be changed.

  • Volume = area × depth.
  • Default mulch depth: 7.5 cm (3 in), the middle of the 2 to 4 in (5 to 10 cm) layer of organic mulch Penn State Extension recommends. It advises no more than that, less on poorly drained soil, and 1 to 2 in for fine or double-shredded mulch.
  • Default topsoil depth: 10 cm (4 in), the low end of the 10 to 15 cm of good topsoil New Brunswick’s lawn guide calls for.
  • No allowance is added for settling, so round up when you order.
  • 1 cubic yard = 0.7646 m³ (NIST Handbook 44). Bags are rounded up to whole bags.

Mulch and topsoil calculator: tips before you buy

  • Keep mulch from touching tree trunks and plant stems.
  • Bulk material is sold by the cubic yard or the cubic metre: ask your supplier which unit they use and switch the calculator to match.
  • Loosen compacted ground before spreading topsoil so the new layer blends with the soil below.
  • Compare bags and bulk delivery in the same unit before you decide.

Mulch and topsoil calculator: frequently asked questions

How much area does a cubic yard of mulch cover?

At 3 in deep, one cubic yard covers 108 sq ft; at 2 in, 162 sq ft. In metric, one cubic metre covers about 13 m² at 7.5 cm. Enter your own area and depth for an exact figure.

How deep should mulch be?

Penn State Extension recommends a 2 to 4 in (5 to 10 cm) layer of organic mulch and no more, less on poorly drained soil, and 1 to 2 in for fine or double-shredded mulch.

How much topsoil do I need for a new lawn?

New Brunswick’s lawn guide calls for at least 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) of good topsoil. Choose Topsoil in the calculator, enter your lawn area and adjust the depth.

How many bags make a cubic yard?

A cubic yard is 27 cu ft, so divide 27 by the bag volume in cubic feet: 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft (so 14 bags), or 9 bags of 3 cu ft.

Sources for the mulch and topsoil calculator

We checked these references on September 10, 2026. Product figures vary, so read the label or data sheet of the product you choose.

Last reviewed September 10, 2026

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