Mulch Calculator
Work out how much mulch you need for a bed, border, or whole yard — in cubic yards, 2 cu ft bags, and tons.
How to calculate mulch
Mulch is sold by volume, not weight. Measure the bed in feet, convert the depth from inches to feet, multiply, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
Length × width × (depth ÷ 12) = cubic feet. Cubic feet ÷ 27 = cubic yards. Add 10% for settling and uneven edges.
Example: a 20 × 10 ft bed at 3 inches deep is 50 cubic feet, or 1.85 cubic yards. With 10% waste, that is about 2.04 cubic yards, 28 bags of 2 cu ft mulch, and roughly 0.9 tons.
Mulch coverage chart
| Depth | 1 cubic yard covers | 2 cu ft bags per 100 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft | 5 |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft | 9 |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft | 13 |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft | 17 |
Numbers are rounded up. Add 10% for irregular beds, tree rings, and settling.
How deep should mulch be?
- 2–3 inches: standard for flower beds, shrubs, and borders.
- 3–4 inches: better weed suppression, but do not pile it against stems.
- 1–2 inches: around shallow-rooted plants and ground covers.
- Keep it away from trunks: a thin ring is fine; a mulch volcano traps moisture and can harm the tree.
Bulk vs. bags
| Bulk mulch | Bagged mulch | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $30–$45 per cubic yard | $3.50–$5.00 per 2 cu ft bag |
| 100 sq ft at 3 in | About $35–$45 | About $45–$65 |
| Best for | 1 cubic yard or more | Small beds, tight access, touch-ups |
| Watch for | Delivery fees, minimum loads | Plastic waste, inconsistent bag size |
Bulk is usually cheaper once you cross about 1 cubic yard. For a single small bed or a quick refresh, bags are easier and avoid a delivery minimum.
What mulch costs in 2026
Expect $30–$45 per cubic yard for bulk hardwood or dyed mulch, and $3.50–$5.00 for a 2 cu ft bag. Rubber mulch, cedar, and colored mulch run higher. Delivery is often $50–$150 depending on distance and minimum order.
Before you order
- Measure each bed separately; do not subtract plants unless the area is large.
- Round up to the nearest half yard for bulk, or add 10% for bags.
- Ask whether the bulk price includes delivery and how far the truck can back in.
- Check the bag yield; 2 cu ft is standard, but 1.5 and 3 cu ft bags exist.
- Keep a tarp or wheelbarrow ready; a cubic yard is heavy and bulky.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. With standard 2 cubic foot bags, that is about 13.5 bags per yard, so buy 14. With 3 cubic foot bags, it is 9 bags per yard.
How much mulch do I need for 100 square feet?
At 3 inches deep, 100 square feet needs 25 cubic feet, or about 0.93 cubic yards. That is 13 bags of 2 cubic foot mulch, plus a little waste.
Should I use 2 or 3 cubic foot bags?
Two cubic foot bags are the most common and easiest to carry. Three cubic foot bags mean fewer bags, but compare the price per cubic foot; the bigger bag is not always cheaper.
How deep should mulch be?
Two to three inches is right for most beds. Use three to four inches for weed suppression, and one to two inches around shallow-rooted plants. Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and siding.
Is bulk mulch cheaper than bags?
Usually yes, once you need about 1 cubic yard or more. Bulk mulch runs $30–$45 per yard, while bagged mulch can cost $55–$90 per yard. Delivery fees and minimum loads can change the math for small projects.