Mulch Calculator — Cubic Yards and Bags Estimator
Calculate how many cubic yards of bulk mulch or bags of mulch you need for any garden bed, landscape area, or shape. Covers hardwood, cedar, pine straw, and rubber mulch.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the shape of your garden bed or landscape area
- Enter the dimensions (or total area if using the custom option)
- Choose your desired mulch depth (2–3 inches is standard)
- Select the mulch type to see product-specific notes
- Click "Calculate Mulch" for cubic yards, cubic feet, and bag counts
How the Calculation Works
volume_ft³ = area_sqft × (depth_in / 12)
cubic_yards = volume_ft³ / 27
bags_2cuft = ceil(volume_ft³ / 2)
bags_3cuft = ceil(volume_ft³ / 3)
bulk_yards_with_waste = cubic_yards × (1 + waste_factor) Mulch volume is calculated by multiplying the area by the desired depth (converted from inches to feet). The result in cubic feet is divided by 27 to convert to cubic yards (the standard bulk unit). Bag count is based on standard 2 cu ft and 3 cu ft bag sizes. A waste factor accounts for settling and uneven application.
Variables:
- area_sqft: Total landscape area to be mulched in square feet
- depth_in: Desired mulch depth in inches (typically 2–4 inches)
- cubic_yards: Volume in cubic yards — standard unit for bulk mulch orders
- bags_2cuft: Number of standard 2 cubic foot bags needed
- bags_3cuft: Number of standard 3 cubic foot bags needed
Pro Tips
- Apply mulch 2–3 inches deep for weed suppression — 4 inches for steep slopes or high-traffic areas
- Keep mulch 2–3 inches away from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot and pest damage
- One cubic yard of mulch covers about 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep or 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep
- Bulk mulch delivered by the yard is typically 30–50% cheaper per cubic foot than bagged mulch
- Top off existing mulch beds rather than removing old material — add 1 inch annually to maintain coverage
Recommended Products
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards of mulch do I need for 1,000 square feet?
At 3 inches deep: 1,000 × (3/12) = 250 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 9.3 cubic yards. At 2 inches deep: 1,000 × (2/12) = 167 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 6.2 cubic yards. Always add 10% for waste and settling.
How many bags of mulch equal a cubic yard?
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. Standard 2 cu ft bags: 13.5 bags per yard. Standard 3 cu ft bags: 9 bags per yard. Bulk mulch is more economical for areas over 400 sq ft at 3" depth (about 1.5 yards minimum).
What is the best depth for mulch?
2–3 inches is ideal for most applications. Less than 2 inches provides insufficient weed suppression. More than 4 inches can prevent water from reaching roots, cause anaerobic conditions, and lead to "mulch volcanoes" that damage trees. For slopes, 3–4 inches helps with erosion control.
What type of mulch lasts longest?
Rubber mulch lasts 10+ years but is controversial for gardens. Cedar and cypress mulch last 1–2 years and naturally resist insects. Hardwood bark mulch lasts 1–2 years. Pine straw breaks down faster (6–12 months) but is excellent for acid-loving plants. Inorganic mulches (gravel, rock) are permanent but do not improve soil.
Should I remove old mulch before adding new?
Generally no — old mulch decomposes and improves soil structure. Simply top off with 1–2 inches of fresh mulch annually. Only remove if the old layer has become matted and water-repellent (hydrophobic), is diseased, or has built up to over 6 inches total depth.