Free Online Mulch Calculator

Calculating the mulch volume for a square area is pretty easy… Just follow these simple steps:

1. Calculate the Area:
   To find the area of a square, multiply the side length by itself. If your square has a side length of 5 feet, the area would be:
   Area = Side Length × Side Length
   For example, if the side length is 5 feet:
   Area = 5 × 5 = 25 square feet
2. Calculate the Volume in Cubic Feet:
   Multiply the area by the depth of the mulch in feet. If you want to spread mulch at a depth of 3 inches, convert this to feet by dividing by 12 (since there are 12 inches in a foot). So, 3 inches = 0.25 feet. Then use the formula:
   Volume = Area × Depth
   For our example:
   Volume = 25 × 0.25 = 6.25 cubic feet
3. Convert to Cubic Yards:
   To find out how many cubic yards you need, divide the volume in cubic feet by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet):
   Volume in Cubic Yards = Volume in Cubic Feet / 27
   For our example:
   Volume = 6.25 / 27 ≈ 0.23 cubic yards

So, for a 5×5 foot square area with a 3-inch mulch depth, you would need around 0.23 cubic yards of mulch. Easy, right? This formula helps you buy just the right amount of mulch for your project… Or use our calculator and it’s done for you.  

Calculating the mulch volume for a rectangular area is simple! Follow these easy steps:

1. Calculate the Area:
   Multiply the length and width of the rectangle to get the area in square feet.
   Area (sq ft) = Length × Width
   For example, if your rectangle is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide:
   Area = 10 × 5 = 50 sq ft
2. Calculate the Volume in Cubic Feet:
   Multiply the area by the desired depth of mulch (in feet). If you want a depth of 3 inches, convert it to feet by dividing by 12 (since 1 foot = 12 inches). So, 3 inches = 0.25 feet.
   Volume (cubic feet) = Area × Depth
   Using our example:
   Volume = 50 × 0.25 = 12.5 cubic feet
3. Convert to Cubic Yards:
   Since mulch is often sold in cubic yards, divide the volume in cubic feet by 27 (because 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet):
   Volume (cubic yards) = Volume (cubic feet) / 27
   For our example:
   Volume = 12.5 / 27 ≈ 0.46 cubic yards

So, for a 10×5 foot rectangle with a 3-inch mulch depth, you would need about 0.46 cubic yards of mulch. Simple, right? This formula helps you buy just the right amount of mulch for your project, saving time and money! 

Calculating the mulch volume for a rectangle border area is a little more difficult but straightforward. Just follow these steps to make sure you get the right amount of mulch for your project.

1. Calculate the Inner Area:
   Find the area of the inner rectangle by multiplying its length and width.
   Inner Area = Length × Width
   Example: For a rectangle with a length of 10 feet and width of 5 feet:
   Inner Area = 10 × 5 = 50 sq ft
2. Calculate the Total Area:
   Add twice the border width to both the length and width of the inner rectangle to get the total outer dimensions, then multiply these values to find the total area.
   Total Area = (Length + (2 × Border Width)) × (Width + (2 × Border Width))
   Example: If the border width is 2 feet:
   Total Area = (10 + (2 × 2)) × (5 + (2 × 2)) = 14 × 9 = 126 sq ft
3. Calculate the Border Area:
   Subtract the inner area from the total area to find the border area.
   Border Area = Total Area - Inner Area
   Example:
   Border Area = 126 - 50 = 76 sq ft
4. Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet:
   Multiply the border area by the desired mulch depth (in feet). If you want a depth of 3 inches, convert it to feet by dividing by 12 (since 1 foot = 12 inches).
   Volume (cubic feet) = Depth × Border Area
   Example: For a depth of 3 inches (0.25 feet):
   Volume = 0.25 × 76 = 19 cubic feet
5. Convert to Cubic Yards:
   Divide the volume in cubic feet by 27 to get the volume in cubic yards (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
   Volume (cubic yards) = Volume (cubic feet) / 27
   Example:
   Volume = 19 / 27 ≈ 0.70 cubic yards

So, for a 10×5 foot inner rectangle with a 2-foot wide border and a 3-inch mulch depth, you would need approximately 0.70 cubic yards of mulch. This method ensures you get the perfect amount of mulch for your rectangle border project, without any guesswork! (You could just use our calculator)

Calculating the amount of mulch you need for a circular area is might cause mild anxiety… Here’s an attempt to walk you through it:

1. Calculate the Area of the Circle:
   To find the area of the circle, use the formula:
   Area (sq ft) = π × (Diameter/2)2
   Here, π (Pi) is approximately 3.14. For example, if the diameter of your circle is 8 feet:
   Area = 3.14 × (8/2)2 = 3.14 × 42 = 3.14 × 16 = 50.24 sq ft
2. Calculate the Volume in Cubic Feet:
   Multiply the area by the desired depth of mulch in feet. If you want a mulch depth of 3 inches, convert it to feet by dividing by 12 (since 1 foot = 12 inches). So, 3 inches = 0.25 feet.
   Volume (cubic feet) = Area × Depth
   For our example:
   Volume = 50.24 × 0.25 = 12.56 cubic feet
3. Convert to Cubic Yards:
   Mulch is often sold in cubic yards, so it’s helpful to convert your volume from cubic feet to cubic yards. To do this, divide the total cubic feet by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet):
   Volume (cubic yards) = Volume (cubic feet) / 27
   For our example:
   Volume = 12.56 / 27 ≈ 0.47 cubic yards

So, for an 8-foot diameter circle with a 3-inch mulch depth, you would need approximately 0.47 cubic yards of mulch. This method ensures you get just the right amount for your project—no more, no less! 

You could always just enter your diameter and desired mulch depth into our calculator and have an answer before you remember what π is from algebra.  

Absolutely NOTHING is simple about calculating the mulch volume for a circle border area (also called an annulus) Attempt this is only if you consider yourself smarter than Sheldon Cooper:

1. Find the Outer Diameter:
   To get the outer diameter, add twice the border width to the inner diameter of the circle.
   Outer Diameter = Inner Diameter + (2 × Border Width)
   Example: If the inner diameter is 8 feet and the border width is 2 feet:
   Outer Diameter = 8 + (2 × 2) = 12 feet
2. Calculate the Outer Area:
   Use the formula for the area of a circle based on the outer diameter.
   Outer Area = π × (Outer Diameter/2)2
   Example:
   Outer Area = 3.14 × (12/2)2 = 3.14 × 62 = 3.14 × 36 = 113.04 sq ft
3. Calculate the Inner Area:
   Use the formula for the area of a circle based on the inner diameter.
   Inner Area = π × (Inner Diameter/2)2
   Example:
   Inner Area = 3.14 × (8/2)2 = 3.14 × 42 = 3.14 × 16 = 50.24 sq ft
4. Calculate the Border Area:
   Subtract the inner area from the outer area to get the border area.
   Border Area = Outer Area - Inner Area
   Example:
   Border Area = 113.04 - 50.24 = 62.8 sq ft
5. Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet:
   Multiply the border area by the desired mulch depth (in feet). If you want a depth of 3 inches, convert it to feet by dividing by 12 (3 inches = 0.25 feet).
   Volume (cubic feet) = Depth × Border Area
   Example:
   Volume = 0.25 × 62.8 = 15.7 cubic feet
6. Convert to Cubic Yards:
   Divide the volume in cubic feet by 27 to convert to cubic yards (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
   Volume (cubic yards) = Volume (cubic feet) / 27
   Example:
   Volume = 15.7 / 27 ≈ 0.58 cubic yards

So, for a circle border area with an inner diameter of 8 feet, a 2-foot wide border, and a 3-inch mulch depth, you would need approximately 0.58 cubic yards of mulch. If you can do this without using our calculator send us a screenshot and we’ll add you to our wall of famous mathematicians.  

Just like the Circle… Nothing simple about calculating the mulch volume for an annulus area (a ring-shaped area):

1. Calculate the Outer Area:
   Find the area of the larger circle using its diameter.
   Outer Area = π × (Outer Diameter/2)2
   For example, if the outer diameter is 12 feet:
   Outer Area = 3.14 × (12/2)2 = 3.14 × 62 = 3.14 × 36 = 113.04 sq ft
2. Calculate the Inner Area:
   Find the area of the smaller, inner circle using its diameter.
   Inner Area = π × (Inner Diameter/2)2
   For example, if the inner diameter is 8 feet:
   Inner Area = 3.14 × (8/2)2 = 3.14 × 42 = 3.14 × 16 = 50.24 sq ft
3. Calculate the Annulus Area:
   Subtract the inner area from the outer area to find the area of the ring-shaped section.
   Annulus Area = Outer Area - Inner Area
   Using the example above:
   Annulus Area = 113.04 - 50.24 = 62.8 sq ft
4. Calculate the Volume in Cubic Feet:
   Multiply the annulus area by the desired mulch depth in feet. If you want a 3-inch depth, convert it to feet by dividing by 12 (3 inches = 0.25 feet).
   Volume (cubic feet) = Depth × Annulus Area
   For example, with a 3-inch depth:
   Volume = 0.25 × 62.8 = 15.7 cubic feet
5. Convert to Cubic Yards:
   Since mulch is usually sold in cubic yards, divide the volume in cubic feet by 27 (because 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
   Volume (cubic yards) = Volume (cubic feet) / 27
   Using our example:
   Volume = 15.7 / 27 ≈ 0.58 cubic yards

So, for an annulus area with an outer diameter of 12 feet, an inner diameter of 8 feet, and a mulch depth of 3 inches, you would need approximately 0.58 cubic yards of mulch. Just typing this on our website earned one of our designers a weeks paid vacation.  

Calculating the mulch volume for a triangle area can be made easy by breaking it down into a few steps. Here’s a simple guide to help you:

1. Calculate the Area of the Triangle:
   Use the formula below to find the area. You’ll need the lengths of all three sides of the triangle: a, b, and c.
   Area (sq ft) = (1/4) × √[(a + b + c) × (b + c - a) × (c + a - b) × (a + b - c)]
   Example: If the sides of the triangle are 6 feet, 8 feet, and 10 feet:
   Area = (1/4) × √[(6 + 8 + 10) × (8 + 10 - 6) × (10 + 6 - 8) × (6 + 8 - 10)] = 24 sq ft
2. Calculate the Volume in Cubic Feet:
   Multiply the area by the desired mulch depth in feet. If you want a depth of 3 inches, convert it to feet by dividing by 12 (since 1 foot = 12 inches).
   Volume (cubic feet) = Depth × Area
   Example: For a depth of 3 inches (0.25 feet):
   Volume = 0.25 × 24 = 6 cubic feet
3. Convert to Cubic Yards:
   Since mulch is often sold in cubic yards, divide the volume in cubic feet by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
   Volume (cubic yards) = Volume (cubic feet) / 27
   Example:
   Volume = 6 / 27 ≈ 0.22 cubic yards

So, for a triangle with side lengths of 6 feet, 8 feet, and 10 feet, and a mulch depth of 3 inches, you would need approximately 0.22 cubic yards of mulch. You could just enter 3 measurements into our calculator and save your self a headache.  

Calculating the mulch volume for a trapezoid area is straightforward if you break it down into simple steps. Here’s an easy-to-follow step by step guide:

1. Calculate the Area of the Trapezoid:
   You’ll need the lengths of the two parallel sides (a and b) and the height (h) of the trapezoid.
   Area (sq ft) = ((a + b) / 2) × h
   Example: If the parallel sides are 6 feet and 10 feet, and the height is 4 feet:
   Area = ((6 + 10) / 2) × 4 = 8 × 4 = 32 sq ft
2. Calculate the Volume in Cubic Feet:
   Multiply the area by the desired mulch depth in feet. If you want a depth of 3 inches, convert it to feet by dividing by 12 (since 1 foot = 12 inches).
   Volume (cubic feet) = Depth × Area
   Example: If the depth is 3 inches (0.25 feet):
   Volume = 0.25 × 32 = 8 cubic feet
3. Convert to Cubic Yards:
   Since mulch is often sold in cubic yards, divide the volume in cubic feet by 27 (because 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
   Volume (cubic yards) = Volume (cubic feet) / 27
   Example:
   Volume = 8 / 27 ≈ 0.30 cubic yards

So, for a trapezoid with parallel sides of 6 feet and 10 feet, a height of 4 feet, and a mulch depth of 3 inches, you would need about 0.30 cubic yards of mulch. This formula ensures you get just the right amount of mulch for your project without any guesswork! Again, we have a calculator for this!