Mulch Calculator: How Much Mulch Do I Need?
Enter the size of your beds and how deep you want the mulch. We give the number of bags and the bulk order, so you can compare the two.
Your estimate
Order 2 cu yd
of mulch, or 27 bags (2 cu ft)
- Area
- 200 sq ft
- Volume
- 1.94 cu yd (52.5 cu ft)5% waste
- In bags
- 27 bags (2 cu ft)
Add a price per cubic yard or bag to see the cost.
How we got this: 200 sq ft × 3 in × 1.05 = 1.94 cu yd (52.5 cu ft). Delivery orders round up to the next 1/4 cu yd.
For this much, bulk delivery is usually far cheaper than bags.
Pull mulch back 2–3 in (5–8 cm) from stems and tree trunks; piled against bark it causes rot.
How the calculation works
- Volume. Bed area × depth, plus 5% for uneven ground and topping up edges.
- Bags. Volume ÷ the bag size, rounded up. A cubic yard is 27 cu ft: about 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft.
- Bulk. Landscape suppliers deliver by the cubic yard (or m³), usually in quarter-yard steps.
Imperial example: a 10 × 20 ft bed, 3 in deep, takes 52.5 cu ft with 5%: 27 bags of 2 cu ft, or 2 cu yd delivered.
Metric example: a 5 × 4 m bed, 75 mm deep, takes 1.58 m³: 23 bags of 70 L, or 1.75 m³ delivered.
Guides to save and share
Chart as a table: How much mulch do I need?
| Bed | 2 in | 3 in | 4 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 × 10 ft (border) | 0.25 cu yd (3 bags) | 0.5 cu yd (4 bags) | 0.5 cu yd (6 bags) |
| 4 × 20 ft (long border) | 0.75 cu yd (7 bags) | 1 cu yd (11 bags) | 1.25 cu yd (14 bags) |
| 10 × 10 ft (bed) | 0.75 cu yd (9 bags) | 1 cu yd (14 bags) | 1.5 cu yd (18 bags) |
| 10 × 20 ft (large bed) | 1.5 cu yd (18 bags) | 2 cu yd (27 bags) | 2.75 cu yd (35 bags) |
| 20 × 30 ft (yard) | 4 cu yd (53 bags) | 6 cu yd (79 bags) | 8 cu yd (105 bags) |
How deep should mulch be?
| Use | Depth | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Flower and shrub beds | 2–3 in (50–75 mm) | Blocks weeds and holds moisture without smothering roots. |
| Around trees | 2–4 in (50–100 mm), pulled back from the trunk | Mulch against bark causes rot. |
| Paths and play areas | 3–4 in (75–100 mm) | Thicker cushion for foot traffic. |
| Topping up old mulch | 1 in (25 mm) | Old mulch breaks down slowly; do not pile on more. |
Common mistakes
- Piling mulch against trunks and stems ("mulch volcanoes"). It invites rot and pests.
- Spreading more than 4 in. Thick mulch keeps water and air from roots.
- Mulching over weeds. Pull or smother them first, or they push through.
- Buying dozens of bags for a big garden: a bulk delivery is usually half the price per yard.
What else you'll need
- A wheelbarrow, a pitchfork or mulch fork, and a rake.
- Landscape fabric or cardboard under the mulch on weedy ground.
- Edging to keep mulch out of lawns and paths.
- Topsoil or compost for new beds: Topsoil Calculator
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
13.5 bags of 2 cu ft, or 9 bags of 3 cu ft.
How much area does a cubic yard of mulch cover?
About 108 sq ft at 3 in deep, 162 sq ft at 2 in, or 324 sq ft at 1 in.
How deep should I spread mulch?
2–3 in (50–75 mm) for most beds. Keep it a few inches away from stems and trunks.
Is bulk mulch cheaper than bags?
Usually, once you need more than about 1–2 cu yd. Add the delivery fee before you compare.
Related calculators
This is an estimate. Actual use depends on the material, the surface, the installation method, waste and site conditions. Check quantities with your supplier before you buy.