Free reference
Mulch Coverage Chart
How much mulch do I need? Use this chart to estimate cubic yards and standard 2 cubic foot bags by bed area and depth. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet and covers about 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep.
Mulch needed by area and depth
Find your total bed area, then read across for 2 inch and 3 inch depths. Bags are standard 2 cubic foot bags, rounded up.
| Area (sq ft) | 2 in: cu yd | 2 in: bags | 3 in: cu yd | 3 in: bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.6 | 9 | 0.9 | 13 |
| 200 | 1.2 | 17 | 1.9 | 25 |
| 300 | 1.9 | 25 | 2.8 | 38 |
| 400 | 2.5 | 34 | 3.7 | 50 |
| 500 | 3.1 | 42 | 4.6 | 63 |
| 1000 | 6.2 | 84 | 9.3 | 125 |
Coverage = area x depth. 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet; 1 standard bag = 2 cubic feet.
How to use this chart
- Measure each bed and add up the total area in square feet.
- Pick a depth: 2 inches to refresh existing mulch, 3 inches for new beds or weed control.
- Read the cubic yards (for bulk delivery) or the number of 2 cubic foot bags.
- For odd shapes or other depths, use the mulch calculator to get an exact amount.
Buying in bulk by the cubic yard is usually cheaper once you need more than about 12 bags. Mulch settles, so order a little extra for full coverage.
FAQ
How do I figure out how much mulch I need?
Multiply your bed area in square feet by the depth in feet to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards, or by 2 for standard 2 cubic foot bags. The chart does this for common sizes and depths.
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it equals about 13 to 14 standard 2 cubic foot bags.
How deep should mulch be?
2 to 3 inches is typical for garden beds. Use the lower end when refreshing existing mulch and the higher end for weed suppression on bare soil.
Is it cheaper to buy mulch in bags or in bulk?
Bagged mulch is convenient for small beds. Bulk mulch by the cubic yard is usually cheaper once you need more than about 12 bags.
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