Mulch Calculator
One cubic yard of mulch equals 13.5 of the 2-cubic-foot bags stacked at the garden center — a conversion almost nobody does in their head while standing in the parking lot. Enter your bed sizes and target depth to get bag counts and yards, plus the break-even point where a bulk delivery starts saving money.
How this calculator works
Volume = area × depth. The calculator shows 2 cu ft bags, 3 cu ft bags, and cubic yards (÷27). Coverage cheat sheet: one 2 cu ft bag covers 8 sq ft at 3" deep; one cubic yard covers 108 sq ft at 3". Past about 1.5 yards (≈20 bags), bulk delivery usually wins on price — and always wins on plastic waste.
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. At $3.50–$4.50 per 2 cu ft bag, a yard's worth of bags costs $47–$60 — versus $25–$45 per yard in bulk. If you need 2+ yards, delivery pays for itself.
How deep should mulch be?
3 inches is the sweet spot for moisture retention and weed control. Under 2" weeds push through; over 4" you risk suffocating roots and creating a soggy mat. And keep mulch 2–3" away from trunks and stems — 'mulch volcanoes' rot trees.
How much does a cubic yard of mulch cover?
108 sq ft at 3" deep, 162 sq ft at 2", 81 sq ft at 4". A typical pickup truck bed holds 2–3 cubic yards of mulch, so a single trip can cover a 200–300 sq ft bed refresh.