Mulch Coverage Calculator
Find out how much area your mulch will cover at various depths.
Coverage by Depth
| Depth | Coverage (sq ft) | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 1" | 240 sq ft | Light refresh |
| 2" | 120 sq ft | Standard beds |
| 3" | 80 sq ft | New beds / weed suppression |
| 4" | 60 sq ft | Heavy weed barrier |
How It Works
This calculator works in reverse from the standard mulch calculator. Instead of entering an area to find how much mulch you need, you enter the mulch you already have and see how far it will spread.
Formula: Coverage (sq ft) = (Cubic Yards × 324) / Depth (inches). The comparison table shows coverage at 1", 2", 3", and 4" depths so you can decide the best trade-off between coverage area and mulch thickness.
If you have bags, the calculator first converts to cubic yards: Cubic Yards = (Number of Bags × Bag Size in cu ft) / 27.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far will 1 cubic yard of mulch go?
One cubic yard of mulch covers approximately 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep, or 81 sq ft at 4 inches deep. The most common depth for landscaping is 3 inches.
How much does a bag of mulch cover?
A standard 2 cubic foot bag covers about 12 sq ft at 2 inches deep or 8 sq ft at 3 inches deep. A larger 3 cubic foot bag covers about 18 sq ft at 2 inches deep or 12 sq ft at 3 inches deep.
Is it cheaper to buy mulch in bags or bulk?
Bulk mulch is almost always cheaper for larger areas. Bulk runs $30-$50 per cubic yard (27 cu ft). Bagged mulch at $4-$6 per 2 cu ft bag works out to $54-$81 per cubic yard equivalent. Bags are more convenient for small beds under 50-100 sq ft.
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
There are 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft mulch in a cubic yard (27 / 2 = 13.5, round up to 14 bags). For 3 cu ft bags, there are 9 bags per cubic yard (27 / 3 = 9). Bulk delivery is typically sold by the cubic yard.