Bark and mulch calculator: litres and bags

The calculator needs JavaScript. The worked example, formula and figures below show exactly how it works, so you can do the sum yourself. A guide, not advice. Check your supplier's or maker's figures before ordering.

Short answer

Worked example

Worked example inputs
You enterValue
Area to coverrectangle 5 m × 2 m
Depth50 mm
Bag size60 L
Extra allowance0%

Order: 9 bags (500 litres)

Worked example results
ResultValue
Bags9
Volume0.5 m³
Litres500 L
Area10 m²
Bags at other sizes
Bag sizeBags
60 L9
70 L8
80 L7
Show the working
  1. Volume: 10 m² × 50 mm × 1 (0% allowance) = 0.5 m³ = 500 L
  2. Bags: 500 L ÷ 60 L, rounded up = 9

How it works

  1. Volume (m³) = area (m²) × depth (m) × (1 + allowance); litres = m³ × 1,000
  2. Bags = litres ÷ bag size (L), rounded up; bulk bags = m³ ÷ bulk bag volume, rounded up

Bark and mulch are sold by volume, so no density is needed.

Our default (adjustable)

These are typical planning figures and our own allowances, not facts about your product. Change any of them in the calculator to match your bag, pack or tin.

FigureOur default (adjustable)KindSource
Bag size60 LCommon UK size
Not yet checked against the source
From your product
brief v2 L5 (bags of 60/70/80 L; BM1 uses 60 L).
Bag sizes in the table60, 70, 80 LCommon UK size
Not yet checked against the source
From your product
brief v2 L5 (bags of 60/70/80 L).

FAQs