Mulch Coverage Calculator
Find how many cubic yards or bags of mulch you need for any bed.
Mulch Coverage Calculator
What This Calculator Does
The Mulch Coverage Calculator tells you how many cubic yards or 2-cubic-foot bags of mulch you need for garden beds, tree rings, and landscaped areas. Enter your bed area in square feet and desired depth, and get the volume in cubic yards with the +10% waste amount.
Mulch is one of the most common landscaping purchases, sold either by the cubic yard (bulk delivery) or by the 2-cubic-foot bag (retail). A 2 cu ft bag covers about 24 square feet at 1 inch depth, or 8 square feet at 3 inches. The calculator handles both measurement systems so you can compare bulk vs. bagged pricing.
Standard mulch depth for weed suppression and moisture retention is 3 inches. Going thinner than 2 inches allows weeds to penetrate. Going deeper than 4 inches can suffocate plant roots and harbor pests. The depth selector covers the full recommended range.
How to Use
- Measure the total area of your garden beds or mulched areas in square feet.
- Select your desired mulch depth: 2 in (light), 3 in (standard), 4 in (heavy), or 6 in (playground).
- Enter the area and select the depth in the calculator above.
- Click "Calculate" to see cubic yards and 2-cu ft bags needed.
- Compare bulk (per cubic yard) vs. bagged pricing at your local garden center.
Reference Table
| Bed Area | Depth 2 in | Depth 3 in | Depth 4 in | Depth 6 in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.31 cu yd | 0.46 cu yd | 0.62 cu yd | 0.93 cu yd |
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 cu yd | 0.93 cu yd | 1.23 cu yd | 1.85 cu yd |
| 200 sq ft | 1.23 cu yd | 1.85 cu yd | 2.47 cu yd | 3.70 cu yd |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 cu yd | 4.63 cu yd | 6.17 cu yd | 9.26 cu yd |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 cu yd | 9.26 cu yd | 12.35 cu yd | 18.52 cu yd |
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