Beds, borders, and landscape areas
Mulch Calculator - Cubic Yards
Estimate bulk mulch, 2 cubic foot bags, coverage area, cost, and overage for wood chips, shredded bark, or rubber mulch.
Calculate Mulch
How Deep Should Mulch Be
Use 2 inches for refreshing existing beds, 3 inches for most new beds, and 4 inches for coarse mulch or weed control. Keep mulch away from trunks, stems, and siding so moisture does not collect against sensitive surfaces.
Bulk vs Bags Cost Comparison
Bulk mulch usually wins when the project is several cubic yards or more. Bags make sense for small beds, touch ups, and homes where a delivery pile would be difficult to place.
Coverage Reference Table
| Depth | Coverage per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft |
FAQ
Multiply bed length by width by mulch depth in feet, then divide by 27. A 3 inch depth is 0.25 feet.
Most beds use 2 to 3 inches of mulch. Use 4 inches only where extra weed control or moisture protection is needed.
There are 13.5 bags of 2 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard. Round up to 14 bags for ordering.
Bulk mulch is often cheaper for larger areas. Bags are convenient for small beds, repairs, and areas without easy delivery access.
Mulch is much lighter than stone or soil and is often about 800 lbs per cubic yard. Wet mulch can weigh more.
If old mulch is too thick, pull some back before adding more. A total depth over 4 inches can hold too much moisture around plants.
Organic mulch usually needs refreshing every year or two. Color, breakdown, and bed depth determine timing.
A small overage is helpful for settling and thin spots. Ten percent extra is a practical planning estimate.