Find out how many cubic yards — or bags — of mulch your beds need. Enter the area and depth
and the totals update instantly.
How to calculate mulch
Mulch is sold by the cubic yard (bulk delivery) or in 2–3 cu ft bags. Multiply your bed area
by the depth you want, then convert to cubic yards:
volume (ft³) = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12
cubic yards = volume (ft³) ÷ 27
Mulch coverage per cubic yard
| Depth | Coverage per cubic yard |
|---|
| 1″ | 324 sq ft |
| 2″ | 162 sq ft |
| 3″ | 108 sq ft |
| 4″ | 81 sq ft |
Bulk or bags?
Bags are convenient for small top-ups, but bulk mulch is much cheaper at volume — typically
$30–$60 per cubic yard delivered versus the equivalent of $55–$90 per yard in bags. If your
total is over one yard, get a bulk quote first.
Frequently asked questions
How much mulch do I need for 100 square feet?
At the recommended 3-inch depth, 100 square feet needs 25 cubic feet of mulch — about 0.93 cubic yards, or 13 bags of 2 cu ft mulch.
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it equals 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft mulch or 9 bags of 3 cu ft mulch. Buying by the yard is usually 30–50% cheaper than bags once you need more than one yard.
How deep should mulch be?
Spread mulch 2–4 inches deep. Use 2 inches around annuals and in shaded beds, 3 inches as the standard for shrubs and perennial beds, and up to 4 inches for weed suppression in open areas. Keep mulch 2–3 inches away from trunks and stems.
How much area does one yard of mulch cover?
One cubic yard covers 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, or 81 sq ft at 4 inches.
Should I remove old mulch before adding new?
Usually no — rake and fluff the old layer, then top up to your target depth. Only remove old mulch if it is matted, moldy, or the combined depth would exceed 4 inches.