Mulch for a 20 × 20 Bed

A 20 × 20 ft bed at 3 inches deep needs about 3.7 cubic yards (≈ 2.83 m³) of mulch — roughly 50 bags of 2 cu ft, covering 400 sq ft.

Mulch to order
3.7 cu yd
≈ 2.83 m³
Bags (2 cu ft)
50
or order bulk
Coverage
400 sq ft
at 3 in deep
Depth
3 in
typical for beds

Adjust the numbers

Pre-filled for a 20 × 20 ft bed — change the size or depth, or switch to metric.

What's "mulch"?

A layer of material — usually shredded or chipped wood or bark — spread on top of the soil around plants, trees, or garden beds. It holds in moisture, blocks weeds, and protects roots; it is not soil itself. Need to add or fill in soil instead? Use the Topsoil Calculator.

Length × width bed, border, or row

ft
ft
in
Bag size & cost options
$/cu yd
$/bag
You need
3.7cubic yards of mulch
100 cu ft · covers 400 sq ft
If you buy bags50 bagsof 2 cu ft · ≈ $200
If you order bulk3.7 cu yddelivered · ≈ $148.15
Past ~3 cu yd, bulk delivery is usually cheaper per yard than bags.
Shop bagged mulch

Estimate only. These figures help you plan how much to buy — they are not engineering or structural advice. Actual needs vary with site conditions, waste, and installation method, so order a little extra and confirm final quantities with your supplier or contractor before you buy or start the job.

Other bed sizes

Frequently asked questions

How much mulch do I need for a 20x20 bed?

A 20 × 20 ft bed at 3 inches deep needs about 100 cubic feet of mulch — roughly 3.7 cubic yards (≈ 2.83 m³), or about 50 bags of 2 cu ft mulch.

How many bags of mulch for a 20x20 bed?

About 50 bags of 2 cu ft mulch (the most common bag size). Larger 3 cu ft bags would need roughly two-thirds as many.

Should I buy bagged or bulk mulch for a 20x20 bed?

At about 3.7 cubic yards, bulk delivery is usually cheaper than buying 50 bags.

← Full mulch calculator