How to Measure for Mulch
“If you’re trying to figure out how much mulch you need, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide to help you calculate how many yards to order.”
(Or Scroll down and use the ktimulch.com calculator. 👇)
Tools you will need To Measure for Mulch:
Before you get started, grab a few simple tools:
• Tape Measure – For small to medium garden beds
• Measuring Wheel – Handy for large or irregularly shaped areas
• Calculator or Phone – To crunch the numbers
• Notepad or Notes App – Jot down your measurements
• Ruler or Yardstick – To visualize mulch depth (2–3 inches is ideal)
Step 1: Get the Right Amount of Mulch for Your Landscape: Let’s Measure It Together
Using a tape measure (or a measuring wheel for larger areas) determine the length and width of your garden beds, tree rings, or landscape area. If your space is irregular, your can break it into smaller squares, rectangles, or circles and measure each.
Step 2: Choose Your Desired Mulch Depth
Mulch is typically applied at a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Here’s a quick guide:
- Dry, Sunny Areas: Use 3-4 inches of mulch to help retain moisture and protect roots.
- Moist, Shady Areas: Stick with 2 inches to prevent over-saturation and mold.
Commonly Asked Questions & Additional Pro Tips
Q: How do I calculate how much mulch I need?
A: Follow our step by step guide and you will have the answer.
Pro Tip:Always keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot.
Step 3: Calculate How Much Mulch You Need
Use this formula to calculate the cubic feet of mulch needed:
Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (inches ÷ 12) = Cubic Feet
Need to convert to cubic yards?
Cubic Feet ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
Go Ahead and Test Your Math Against our Mulch Calculator Below!👇
Step 4: Round Up and Order with Confidence
Mulch is sold by the cubic yard, so once you’ve done the math, it’s best to round up to the nearest yard to ensure full coverage. Having a little extra makes spreading easier since you won’t need to be exact with every scoop.
Example: How Much Mulch Do I Need for a 27 ft × 7 ft Area?
1) Multiply the length and width to get the square footage:27 ft × 7 ft = 189 square feet
2) Multiply by the mulch depth (in feet):
3 inches ÷ 12 = 0.25 feet189 sq ft × 0.25 ft = 47.25 cubic feet
3) Convert cubic feet to cubic yards:47.25 ÷ 27 = 1.75 cubic yards
You’ll need about 1.75 cubic yards of mulch
Round up to 2 cubic yards for full coverage.
Mulch Calculator
Mulch Calculator
Enter your area measurements and mulch depth to calculate how much mulch you need.
Ready to Order Mulch?
Use the guide above to measure your space, then head over to our Online Order Mulch Page for fast, dependable delivery.
Proudly serving: Northampton, Hudson, Stow, Cuyahoga Falls, Peninsula, Twinsburg, Sagamore Hills, Kent, Akron, Tallmadge, Aurora, and Streetsboro.
Top-quality mulch and reliable delivery from a name you can trust.