Mulch Calculator for Multiple Beds
By Vinod Kondeti · Updated
Most yards have several beds: a front border, a side strip, a few islands. Enter up to four beds and you get one total. That makes it easier to compare a single bulk delivery with buying bags.
How do I measure for a multiple beds project?
- Set unused beds to 0.
- For a round bed or tree ring, work it out on its own page and add the result.
- Enter prices only if you have local quotes. The comparison includes the delivery fee you enter.
How is the multiple beds 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
Multiple beds calculator questions
How much for a 20 × 4 and an 8 × 3 bed at 3 in?
(80 + 24) ft² × 0.25 = 26 ft³, which is 0.96 yd³ or 13 bags of 2 cu ft before extra.
When is bulk cheaper than bags?
It depends on your local prices. Enter the bag price, the bulk $/yd³ and the delivery fee, and the calculator shows which comes out cheaper for your total.
Sources
Estimates only. Use the coverage or bag size printed on your product. Read the mulch guide for worked examples.
More mulch calculators
- Mulch calculator (main)
- Mulch bags calculator
- Cubic yards calculator
- Depth & coverage calculator
- Tree ring calculator
- Round bed calculator
- Gravel calculator
- Topsoil calculator