DIY CalculatorMost beds need 2 to 3 inches. Measure round beds with the circle shape, and add each bed as its own area if they are different sizes.
How much mulch do you need?
- Refreshing existing mulch: 1 inch on top of the old layer.
- New beds: 2–3 inches. More than 4 inches can smother roots.
- Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and house siding.
- A cubic yard covers about 108 sq ft at 3 inches, or 162 sq ft at 2 inches.
How much mulch for common areas (cubic yards / tons, no extra added)
| Area | 2 in deep | 3 in deep | 4 in deep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 yd³ / 0.25 t | 0.93 yd³ / 0.37 t | 1.23 yd³ / 0.49 t |
| 200 sq ft | 1.23 yd³ / 0.49 t | 1.85 yd³ / 0.74 t | 2.47 yd³ / 0.99 t |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 yd³ / 1.23 t | 4.63 yd³ / 1.85 t | 6.17 yd³ / 2.47 t |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 yd³ / 2.47 t | 9.26 yd³ / 3.7 t | 12.35 yd³ / 4.94 t |
Tons assume 800 lb per cubic yard. Add extra for waste and settling when you order.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the length and width (or the diameter of a round area). Use any unit — feet, inches, yards or meters.
- Split odd shapes into rectangles, circles and triangles, and add each one with “Add another area”.
- Enter the depth. Results update as you type: cubic yards, tons and bags.
- Optionally enter a price to estimate the cost.
Add this calculator to your website
Run a landscaping supply, garden center or DIY blog? Paste this code into your page to let visitors use the mulch calculator right there. It is free, has no ads, and resizes itself to fit.
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Frequently asked questions
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it equals 13.5 two-cubic-foot bags or 9 three-cubic-foot bags.
How much does a yard of mulch weigh?
Roughly 400 to 800 lb for shredded wood mulch, depending on the wood and how wet it is. Rubber and stone mulches are much heavier.
Is it cheaper to buy bags or bulk?
For anything over about 1 cubic yard, bulk delivery is usually cheaper per cubic yard than bags, though you pay a delivery fee. Bags make sense for small jobs, top-ups and places a truck can’t reach.