Mulch Calculator

First, find the square footage of your garden bed (Length × Width). Then, multiply by your desired depth in inches, and divide the result by 324 to get the total cubic yards.

For most landscaping applications, a depth of 2 to 3 inches is ideal. This is thick enough to suppress weeds and retain moisture without suffocating plant roots.

One cubic yard of mulch will cover 324 square feet at a depth of 1 inch, 162 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, and 108 square feet at a depth of 3 inches.

It depends on the bag size. A standard 2 cubic foot bag means you need 13.5 bags to equal one cubic yard (27 cubic feet). If using 3 cubic foot bags, you need exactly 9 bags.

Buying in bulk (by the cubic yard) is almost always significantly cheaper for large projects. However, bags are easier to transport, cleaner, and better for very small jobs under 1 or 2 cubic yards.

Organic mulches like wood chips or bark break down over time, enriching the soil. You generally need to top dress your mulch beds with a fresh 1-inch layer every 1 to 2 years.