Mulch and Soil Calculator: Bags and Cubic Yards
Calculate mulch, compost or soil bags for a uniform layer.
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How to measure
Measure bed length and width in feet, or add separate rectangles for an irregular bed. Enter the intended layer depth in inches and the cubic feet shown on the bag. A bulk purchase can be compared using cubic yards.
Formula and assumptions
Cubic feet = area in sq ft × depth in inches ÷ 12 × (1 + allowance / 100); bags = ceiling(cubic feet ÷ cubic feet per bag).
Worked example
For 90 sq ft at 3 inches deep plus 10% allowance, the estimate is 24.75 cubic feet, or 13 bags of 2 cubic feet.
Before you buy
Bag sizes vary and loose soil can settle. Keep material away from trunks and follow product guidance.
Why are the bag count and bulk volume different units?
Bags are sold in cubic feet, while loose deliveries are often quoted in cubic yards. There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.
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Editorial review: September 2026. This is a planning estimate; confirm dimensions and product specifications before purchase.