How Much Mulch for 500 Square Feet?

For 500 square feet of mulch at 3 inches deep, you need about 4.63 cubic yards - roughly 63 bags (2 cu ft bag). The amount changes with depth; the table below shows common depths, and you can adjust everything in the calculator.

DepthCubic yardsBags
2 in3.0942
3 in4.6363
4 in6.1784

Based on 500 square feet (500 sq ft). One cubic yard = 27 cubic feet; bags are 2 cu ft bag.

2-3 in to refresh an existing bed, 3-4 in for new beds and weed suppression.

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You need about

4.63cubic yards
63
bags (2 cu ft bag)
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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.

Other mulch amounts

Same area, other materials

Need a different size? Open the full Mulch calculator →