How much mulch do I need?
Mulch is sold by volume, so you need the area of your beds and the depth you want to spread. The calculator does this for you, but here is the math:
Example: a 20 ft × 10 ft bed at 3 inches deep is 20 × 10 × 3 ÷ 12 = 50 cubic feet, or 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards. In 2 cu ft bags that is 25 bags; in 3 cu ft bags, 17.
How deep should mulch be?
| Use | Recommended depth |
|---|---|
| Topping up existing mulch | 1–2 in |
| Flower and shrub beds | 2–3 in |
| Weed suppression on bare soil | 3–4 in |
| Paths and play areas (wood chips) | 4–6 in |
Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and plant stems — piling it against bark ("mulch volcanoes") traps moisture and invites rot and pests.
Bulk or bags?
A cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, or about 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft. Bulk mulch is usually much cheaper per yard but most yards charge a delivery fee, so bags often win on small jobs. Enter both prices in the Cost section and the calculator tells you which is cheaper for your project.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet: about 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft, or 9 bags of 3 cu ft.
How much area does a cubic yard of mulch cover?
About 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 162 sq ft at 2 inches, 108 sq ft at 3 inches and 81 sq ft at 4 inches.
How much does a yard of mulch weigh?
Typically 400–800 lb, depending on the wood and how wet it is. Shredded hardwood is around 600–700 lb per cubic yard.
Should I add extra?
Yes — 5–10% covers uneven ground and settling. The calculator adds 5% by default; you can change it.
Related calculators
These figures are estimates for planning only. Material weights and coverage vary by supplier, moisture and compaction. Always confirm quantities and prices with your supplier before ordering. See our terms & disclaimer.