Mulch Calculator

Calculate how much mulch, topsoil, or compost you need for your garden beds. Enter area and depth to get cubic yards, bags, weight, and cost estimates for any landscaping project.

You need approximately

1.85 cubic yards

or 67 bags

Cubic Feet

50.0

Est. Weight

1,481.481 lbs

Coverage Area

200 sq ft

Cost Comparison

Bulk (per cu yd @ $35)

$65

Bagged (0.75 cu ft (standard bag) @ $50/yd)

$3350

How to Calculate Mulch Coverage

The formula for calculating mulch is straightforward: multiply the bed area (length × width) by the desired depth (in feet), then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. A 2-inch depth (0.167 feet) is standard for most garden beds. One cubic yard covers 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 108 square feet at 3 inches deep. For bagged mulch, divide the total cubic feet by the bag size (typically 2 cubic feet per bag).

Mulch Coverage Reference Table

DepthSq Ft per Cubic Yard2 Cu Ft Bag Coverage
1 inch324 sq ft24 sq ft per bag
2 inches162 sq ft12 sq ft per bag
3 inches108 sq ft8 sq ft per bag
4 inches81 sq ft6 sq ft per bag

Bulk vs Bagged: Cost Comparison

  • Bulk mulch: $30-45 per cubic yard delivered — best for large projects (2+ yards)
  • Bagged mulch (2 cu ft): $3-5 per bag — about $40-70 per cubic yard
  • Savings: Buying bulk saves 30-50% compared to bags for the same coverage
  • Delivery: Many landscape suppliers offer free or low-cost delivery for truckload orders

Frequently Asked Questions

How much mulch do I need for my garden?
For most garden beds, a 2-3 inch layer of mulch is recommended. One cubic yard of mulch covers approximately 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 108 square feet at 3 inches deep. A standard bag (2 cu ft) covers about 12 square feet at 2 inches deep. Use this calculator to get an exact count based on your specific bed dimensions and desired depth.
Should I buy mulch in bulk or bags?
Bulk mulch is significantly cheaper — typically $30-40 per cubic yard delivered, compared to $3-5 per bag (which equals $40-70 per cubic yard in bagged form). For projects over 2 cubic yards, bulk is more economical. For small gardens or if you don't have a truck, bagged mulch is more convenient. Some garden centers offer bulk pickup with trailers for a small fee.
What depth of mulch should I use?
The ideal mulch depth is 2-3 inches for most flower beds and garden beds. A 2-inch layer is sufficient for weed suppression and moisture retention. Going deeper than 4 inches can suffocate plant roots, promote rot, and create habitat for pests like voles and slugs. For pathways, 3-4 inches of wood chips or gravel works well.
How much does a yard of mulch weigh?
A cubic yard of wood mulch weighs approximately 800-1,000 pounds. Topsoil weighs about 2,200 pounds per cubic yard (wet). Compost weighs approximately 1,200 pounds per cubic yard. Keep weight limits in mind when transporting — a standard pickup truck can safely carry about 1-2 cubic yards of mulch, but check your truck's payload capacity.
What type of mulch is best for my garden?
Shredded hardwood mulch is excellent for flower beds and around trees — it stays in place well and enriches soil as it decomposes. Pine bark nuggets last longer but don't provide as many nutrients. Cedar mulch is naturally pest-repellent and slow to decompose. Rubber mulch lasts many years but doesn't improve soil. For vegetable gardens, use straw or compost instead of wood mulch.

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