Mulch Calculator
Calculate how much mulch you need for your landscaping project. Enter your area dimensions and desired depth to get results in cubic yards, cubic feet, or number of bags.
How to Calculate Mulch
The mulch formula is straightforward:
- Measure the area you want to cover in feet (length × width).
- Choose your depth. Most landscaping projects use 2-4 inches of mulch.
- Calculate volume: Area (sq ft) × Depth (inches) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards needed.
- Convert to bags: Cubic Yards × 13.5 = number of 2 cu ft bags (or × 9 for 3 cu ft bags).
Mulch Depth Guide
- 2 inches: Light coverage for flower beds and around established plants
- 3 inches: Standard depth for most landscaping — good balance of weed suppression and aesthetics
- 4 inches: Heavy coverage for pathways and areas needing maximum weed control
Mulch Coverage Per Bag
A standard 2 cubic foot bag of mulch covers approximately:
- 12 sq ft at 2 inches deep
- 8 sq ft at 3 inches deep
- 6 sq ft at 4 inches deep
Frequently Asked Questions
How much mulch do I need?
To calculate mulch needed: multiply your area length × width (in feet) to get square footage, then multiply by desired depth (in inches), and divide by 324 to get cubic yards. For example, a 10ft × 20ft area at 3 inches deep needs about 1.85 cubic yards of mulch.
How many bags of mulch do I need?
A standard 2 cubic foot bag of mulch covers about 8 square feet at 3 inches deep. Divide your total square footage by 8 to estimate bags needed. For example, 200 sq ft at 3 inches deep needs about 25 bags (2 cu ft each).
How deep should mulch be?
For most landscaping, apply mulch 2-4 inches deep. Use 2-3 inches around plants and flowers, 3-4 inches for weed suppression in open areas. Avoid piling mulch against tree trunks or plant stems.
How much does a cubic yard of mulch weigh?
A cubic yard of mulch typically weighs between 400-800 pounds depending on the type and moisture content. Dry wood mulch weighs around 400-600 lbs per cubic yard, while wet or rubber mulch can weigh 600-800+ lbs.
How much area does 1 cubic yard of mulch cover?
One cubic yard of mulch covers approximately 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 81 square feet at 4 inches deep.