ABOUT YARD COUNT

A useful answer, with the math attached.

Yard Count is a free, independent garden calculator. It helps you turn bed measurements into a mulch order and compare your own bagged and bulk quotes.

How the calculator works

1. Find the area. A rectangle uses length × width. A circle uses π × (diameter ÷ 2)². “Known area” accepts your own total square footage.
2. Find the volume. Area × depth in inches ÷ 12 gives cubic feet. Divide that result by 27 to get cubic yards. Combined, this is area × depth ÷ 324.
3. Add your allowance. The selected percentage multiplies the volume by 1 + percentage ÷ 100. The default is no extra allowance.
4. Round the order. Divide cubic feet by your selected bag size, then round up to whole bags. Bulk cost calculations round up to the order increment you choose after applying the minimum order.

The displayed volume is rounded for readability; the order calculation uses the unrounded value. For example, 200 square feet × 3 inches ÷ 324 is 1.851851… cubic yards, displayed as 1.85. The corresponding 50 cubic feet needs exactly 25 two-cubic-foot bags.

What the result includes

The estimate uses your measurements and assumes a uniform layer over the area entered. It does not measure the bed, predict settling, convert volume to weight, or check the load capacity of a vehicle. If a product expands after opening, use its stated coverage instructions.

The optional cost comparison uses your prices in US dollars. Bag cost is whole bags × price per bag. Bulk cost is rounded cubic yards × price per cubic yard + bulk delivery. Tax, bag delivery, equipment, labor, and fuel are not included.

Where the guidance comes from

The math and worked examples are explained on this site. The depth guide links directly to the gardening source used. Illustrative prices are labeled as examples, and the calculator never presents them as local quotes.

This first edition was prepared with AI assistance. It does not claim firsthand field testing or professional horticultural review. The supporting garden image is AI-generated and illustrative. We do not claim an affiliation with a mulch supplier or a university.

Advertising

No ads are currently served. If advertising is added, placements will be labeled and the privacy page will be updated. The calculator is free to use.