Mulch estimator
Mulch math is secretly a volume problem wearing an area costume. You measure square feet, sure — but what you buy is cubic yards (bulk) or cubic feet (bags). Depth is the whole game: 2 inches vs 3 inches is a **50% jump** in material.
For developers: API access
Same result via GET request (use current inputs above):
curl -s "https://howdeedo.com/api/calc/mulch-estimator?areaSqFt=100&depthInches=3&bagSizeCuFt=2"fetch("https://howdeedo.com/api/calc/mulch-estimator?areaSqFt=100&depthInches=3&bagSizeCuFt=2").then(r => r.json())Get an API key for higher limits and stable access.
Good to know
Depth is exponential pain. If you double depth, you double volume. That’s obvious, but the human brain still underestimates it because the surface looks the same. Decide your depth first — then let the math tell you what it costs.
Bagged mulch is expensive volume. Bags are convenient, but you pay for packaging and handling. For large areas, bulk cubic yards are often dramatically cheaper — and you avoid carrying 40 bags like you’re training for a lumberjack triathlon.
Fresh mulch “shrinks.” Mulch settles and decomposes over time. If you want it to look like 3 inches in a month, you might need to lay down more than 3 inches today (or plan to top off later).
Methodology, disclaimers & sources
How it works
- Volume (cu ft) = area (sq ft) × depth (ft)
- Convert cu ft → cu yd by dividing by 27
- Shortcut: cu yd = (sq ft × depth inches) / 324
Details & assumptions
This is a geometric estimate. Real installations vary due to compaction, uneven ground, and how “fluffy” the material is out of the bag or truck. Waste/overage accounts for the reality that you don’t spread perfectly.