Measure net area
Measure only beds or zones receiving mulch and subtract excluded surfaces.
Split irregular beds into measurable shapes.
Set installed depth
Volume = area × depth after converting inches to feet.
Use the depth appropriate to the product and project rather than a universal value.
Use package coverage
Bag count = net area ÷ stated coverage per bag at the selected depth.
Coverage varies by package size and manufacturer.
Round for purchase
Round to whole bags after the theoretical requirement is known.
Keep border, underlayment, and site-preparation materials separate.