Mulch Coverage Calculator

Determine exact cubic yards, cubic feet, and bagged mulch quantities for garden beds.

Garden Bed Area (Square Feet) Total area to cover with mulch

Mulch Layer Depth (Inches) 3.0 inches

1" (Top-dress) 2" (Standard) 3" (Weed Suppress) 4" (Deep)

Bag Size

Estimated Cost / Yard ($)

Common Landscaping Scenarios

Bulk Volume Required

4.17 cu yd

112.5 cubic feet

Total Bags Needed 57 Bags 2 cu ft per bag

Est. Bulk Material Cost $158 Plus delivery

Bulk vs. Bagged Decision Rule If your project requires more than 2 cubic yards (27 bags), buying bulk delivery is almost always significantly cheaper and saves dozens of plastic bags.

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How to Calculate Mulch Volume

One cubic yard of mulch covers 324 square feet at a 1-inch depth. To calculate the volume needed for any bed:

Cubic Yards = (Square Feet × Depth in Inches) / 324
Cubic Feet = Cubic Yards × 27

A 3-inch depth is optimal for suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture without suffocating perennial plant root systems. Keep mulch 2 to 3 inches away from woody tree trunks to prevent bark decay (avoid "mulch volcanoes").

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bags of mulch make one cubic yard?

One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. Therefore, 1 cubic yard requires 13.5 standard 2-cubic-foot bags, or 9 commercial 3-cubic-foot bags.

How deep should landscape mulch be spread?

A depth of 2 to 3 inches is ideal for weed suppression and moisture retention. For seasonal top-dressing where mulch still exists, 1 to 1.5 inches is sufficient.

How much does a cubic yard of mulch weigh?

Dry shredded hardwood mulch weighs between 400 and 800 lbs per cubic yard, while damp or wet mulch can weigh up to 1,000 to 1,400 lbs per yard.