Worked example · hypothetical

Worked example: mulch for two garden beds

Combine two bed areas, set a 3-inch depth, and compare whole bags with bulk cubic yards.

This is a hypothetical measurement example, not a completed customer project or a construction specification.

The measured plan2.26 cubic yards, or 31 two-cubic-foot bags.
Area 1Mulch 3 in · soil 0 in20 × 8 ftArea 2Mulch 3 in · soil 0 in12 × 6 ftScale: 10 ft
232 sq ft measured footprintMulch: 3 inPrepared groundDiagram shows layer order; depths are labeled, not to scale.

How the estimate is built

  1. The beds measure 160 and 72 sq ft, totaling 232 sq ft.
  2. At 3 inches, finished volume is area × depth ÷ 324; the 5% allowance is added to the order.
  3. Divide the order’s cubic feet by the printed bag volume and round up to whole bags.

Before buying

Verify bag volume, bulk minimums, delivery charge, and whether your chosen mulch depth is appropriate around the plants.

Open these numbers in the calculator →