Loading Calculator...
Please wait a moment
Please wait a moment
Calculate the cubic yards, bags, and cost of mulch needed for your landscaping project. Supports different mulch types with weight estimates.
Mulch is a protective layer of material spread over soil around plants, trees, and garden beds. It serves multiple purposes including moisture retention, weed suppression, soil temperature regulation, and aesthetic enhancement. Organic mulches like wood chips also break down over time, adding nutrients to the soil.
Our mulch calculator helps you determine exactly how much mulch you need in cubic yards, bags, or by weight, along with cost estimates to help you budget your landscaping project accurately.
Cubic Yards = (Area in sq ft × Depth in inches) ÷ 324
Or equivalently:
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in inches) ÷ 324
The magic number 324 comes from the conversion: 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, and 1 cubic foot = 12 inches of depth per square foot. So: 27 × 12 = 324.
For a 200 sq ft flower bed with 3" mulch depth:
Cubic Yards = (200 × 3) ÷ 324
Cubic Yards = 600 ÷ 324
Cubic Yards = 1.85 cu yd
One cubic yard of mulch covers:
| Depth | Best For | Coverage/Yard |
|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | Refreshing existing beds, light coverage | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | Standard landscaping (recommended) | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | New beds, weed control, slopes | 81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | Play areas, paths, erosion control | 54 sq ft |
Important: Never apply more than 4 inches around plants and trees. Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot and pest problems ("volcano mulching" is harmful).
It depends on bag size. For 2 cubic foot bags, divide your cubic feet total by 2. For a 200 sq ft area at 3" depth, you need about 50 cubic feet or 25 bags (2 cu ft each). Most home improvement stores sell 2 cubic foot bags.
Mulch weight varies by type and moisture content. Dry wood mulch typically weighs 400-600 lbs per cubic yard. Wet or fresh mulch can weigh 800-1000 lbs per cubic yard. Rubber mulch is heaviest at around 800 lbs per cubic yard.
For most landscaping, 3 inches is ideal. Use 2 inches for refreshing existing beds, 4 inches for new beds or weed control. Never exceed 4 inches around plants as it can suffocate roots and promote disease.
Bulk mulch is typically 40-60% cheaper per cubic yard than bagged mulch. However, bagged mulch is more convenient for small projects and doesn't require a delivery truck. The break-even point is usually around 3-5 cubic yards.
Organic mulches should be refreshed annually, typically adding 1-2 inches on top. Complete replacement is usually needed every 2-3 years. Inorganic mulches like rubber or stone rarely need replacement.
Volcano mulching is piling mulch against tree trunks in a cone shape. It's harmful because it retains moisture against bark, promotes rot and disease, encourages girdling roots, and attracts pests. Always keep mulch 2-3 inches away from tree trunks.
Calculate gravel for driveways and paths
Estimate topsoil for lawns and gardens
Calculate decorative stone needs
Plan raised garden bed materials
Landscape border estimation
General volume calculations