Compare the same volume
One cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. A 2-cubic-foot bag contains 2/27 of a cubic yard. You therefore need 13.5 such bags for exactly one cubic yard, or 14 whole bags when buying. A 3-cubic-foot bag takes exactly 9 bags per cubic yard.
Round bags up, not down
Divide the required cubic feet, including your chosen allowance, by the volume printed on the bag. Round up to the next whole bag. Bag labels can differ, so check the product rather than assuming every bag is 2 cubic feet. Our bag-size input is editable.
An example price comparison
Suppose your planned volume is 2 cubic yards. That is 54 cubic feet, or 27 bags of 2 cubic feet. If your quoted price is $4 per bag, the material costs $108. If a bulk supplier quotes $35 per cubic yard, the material costs $70. These are example prices, not local market quotes.
Include the costs outside the calculator
In that example, a $50 bulk delivery charge would make the bulk total $120 before tax, exceeding the $108 bagged material total. Also consider minimum orders, the time to unload, bag disposal, access to the delivery location and any delivery charges for bags. The calculator’s dollar figure is material-only.
Choose depth for the planting
For tree mulch rings, University of Georgia Extension describes a 2–3 inch depth. Planting type and existing mulch matter. Avoid piling mulch against trunks and account for material that is already present. Use a local extension guide for the plants and conditions in your garden.
Source: University of Georgia Extension: landscape education.
Put your measurements to work.
Calculate volume, adjust your allowance and save a link to your estimate.
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