Mulch Calculator
Measure your beds, pick a depth (2–3" is standard), and see instantly how many cubic yards or bags of mulch to buy.
Results
How the mulch calculator works
The math is simple: multiply the length and width of the area to get square footage, then multiply by the depth of the layer to get volume. Suppliers sell by the cubic yard (27 cubic feet), so the calculator divides by 27, and uses the material's density to convert volume into weight.
Formula: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = cubic yards, then cubic feet × density (lb/ft³) ÷ 2,000 = US tons.
| Amount | Coverage at 2" | Coverage at 3" |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cubic yard | ≈ 160 sq ft | ≈ 110 sq ft |
| 2 cu ft bag | ≈ 12 sq ft | ≈ 8 sq ft |
| 3 cu ft bag | ≈ 18 sq ft | ≈ 12 sq ft |
One cubic yard equals 13.5 two-cubic-foot bags — buying in bulk is usually 30–50% cheaper once you need more than about 10 bags.
Tips before you order
- Use 2–3" of mulch around plants and trees. More than 4" can suffocate roots and invite pests.
- Keep mulch 2–3" away from tree trunks and plant stems — "mulch volcanoes" cause rot.
- Refreshing an existing bed usually only needs 1–1.5" of new mulch on top.
- For weed suppression on bare ground, put down 3" over cardboard or landscape fabric.
Frequently asked questions
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 cu ft or 9 bags of 3 cu ft mulch.
How much area does a cubic yard of mulch cover?
At the standard 3-inch depth, one cubic yard covers about 108 square feet. At 2 inches, it covers about 162 square feet.
Is it cheaper to buy mulch in bags or in bulk?
Bulk mulch typically costs $30–60 per cubic yard, while bagged mulch works out to $50–90 per cubic yard equivalent. If you need more than 10 bags, bulk delivery usually wins even with a delivery fee.
How much does a yard of mulch weigh?
Wood mulch weighs roughly 400–800 lb per cubic yard depending on type and moisture. Most cars can't carry a full yard — a pickup truck or delivery is the practical option.