How to calculate mulch
Measure each bed's length and width in feet and choose a depth in inches. Area × depth ÷ 12 gives cubic feet; divide by 27 for cubic yards, the unit bulk mulch is sold in. For bagged mulch, divide cubic feet by the bag size printed on the bag.
| Depth | Coverage of 1 cubic yard | Coverage of a 2 ft³ bag |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 162 sq ft | 12 sq ft |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft | 8 sq ft |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft | 6 sq ft |
Questions people ask
How many bags of mulch are in a yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it takes 13.5 bags of 2 ft³ mulch or 9 bags of 3 ft³ mulch.
How deep should mulch be?
2–4 in is typical for garden beds. Thinner layers let weeds through, and thicker layers can keep water and air from plant roots. Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and stems.
How much area does a yard of mulch cover?
One cubic yard covers about 108 sq ft at 3 in deep, 162 sq ft at 2 in deep, or 81 sq ft at 4 in deep.
Is bulk mulch cheaper than bags?
Often, once you need more than 2–3 cubic yards. Enter both prices and the calculator compares bulk and bagged cost.