Mulch Calculator
Enter your bed dimensions and mulch depth to find cubic yards, cubic feet, and bags needed.
Bed dimensions
2–3″ recommended
Results
Cubic Yards
—
yd³
Cubic Feet
—
ft³
2 cu ft Bags
—
bags needed
3 cu ft Bags
—
bags needed
How Much Mulch Do You Need?
Mulch is measured in cubic yards for bulk orders, or cubic feet for bags. Multiply length by width to get square footage, then multiply by depth (converted to feet) to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards.
Formula: Cubic Feet = Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12). Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27.
Bulk Mulch Coverage by Depth
| Depth | 1 Cubic Yard Covers | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft | Topdressing existing beds |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft | Established beds |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft | New beds — recommended depth |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft | Heavy weed suppression |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How deep should mulch be applied?
- Two to three inches is ideal for most landscape beds. Deeper than 4 inches can suffocate plant roots and cause moisture issues. Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and plant stems.
- Is it cheaper to buy bulk or bagged mulch?
- Bulk mulch is almost always cheaper once you need more than 2–3 cubic yards. Many suppliers deliver bulk mulch for free over a minimum order. Bagged mulch is more convenient for small areas or touch-ups.
- How many bags of mulch equal one cubic yard?
- One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. That means about 13–14 bags of 2 cu ft mulch, or 9 bags of 3 cu ft mulch, to equal one cubic yard.