Mulch Calculator
Find out how many cubic yards or bags of mulch you need for your beds.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2 cu ft bags | 0 |
| 3 cu ft bags | 0 |
| One cubic yard covers | |
| Area covered | |
| Estimated cost |
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How the mulch calculator works
Multiply the bed area by the mulch depth to get cubic feet, divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then add a little extra so you do not run short. Bag counts divide the total cubic feet by the bag size and round up.
Worked example: a 10 ft x 10 ft bed, 3 inches deep
The bed is 100 sq ft. At 3 inches deep that is 25 cubic feet, or 0.93 cubic yards. Adding 5% brings it to 0.97 cubic yards. That is 14 bags of 2 cubic feet, or 9 bags of 3 cubic feet. For a job this size, buying a full cubic yard in bulk is also an option.
How far one cubic yard goes
| Mulch depth | Area covered |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of mulch cover?
About 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 at 2 inches, 108 at 3 inches and 81 at 4 inches.
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it equals 13.5 bags of 2 cubic feet or 9 bags of 3 cubic feet. Round up when buying.
How deep should mulch be?
Many landscapers suggest about 3 inches. Flower beds often do well with 1 to 2 inches, and trees and shrubs can take 3 to 4 inches.
Is bulk or bagged mulch cheaper?
For larger areas, bulk by the cubic yard is usually cheaper per cubic foot, but check delivery fees. Enter prices for each unit above to compare on your own job.
Estimates only. Bag sizes vary by brand, so check the label.