Mulch Calculator
To find how much mulch you need, multiply the bed area by the depth and divide by 27 to get cubic yards. A standard 2 cubic foot bag covers about 12 sq ft at 2 inches deep, or 8 sq ft at 3 inches. One cubic yard equals 13.5 of those bags.
2-3 in to refresh an existing bed, 3-4 in for new beds and weed suppression.
Add prices to estimate cost (optional)
Enter your measurements above to see how much mulch you need.
How to measure your bed
Measure the length and width of the bed in feet. For an odd shape, break it into rectangles and add them up, or use the round option for circular beds and tree rings.
Pick a depth: 2 to 3 inches refreshes an existing bed, while 3 to 4 inches is better for a new bed because it blocks more light and suppresses weeds.
Bags or bulk?
Bagged mulch is easy to handle and makes sense for small beds. Once you pass roughly 6 to 8 bags, bulk mulch by the cubic yard is usually cheaper per cubic foot, even after delivery.
One cubic yard of mulch equals 27 cubic feet, or 13.5 standard 2 cubic foot bags. So if the calculator says 1 cubic yard, that is about 14 bags.
Mulch coverage chart
One cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. Coverage = volume / depth.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2 cubic foot bags are in a yard of mulch?
13.5 bags. A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet and each standard bag holds 2 cubic feet, so 27 / 2 = 13.5 bags per cubic yard.
How deep should mulch be?
2 to 3 inches refreshes an existing bed; 3 to 4 inches is better for new beds and weed control. Avoid piling mulch against stems and trunks.
How much does a 2 cubic foot bag of mulch cover?
About 12 square feet at 2 inches deep, or about 8 square feet at 3 inches deep.
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