How it works
Mulch needed = area × depth. We convert that to cubic yards (or cubic metres) and to the common bag sizes, after adding a little extra for settling.
| Depth | 1 cubic yard covers | 1 m³ covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in (25 mm) | about 324 sq ft | about 40 m² |
| 2 in (50 mm) | about 162 sq ft | about 20 m² |
| 3 in (75 mm) | about 108 sq ft | about 13 m² |
| 4 in (100 mm) | about 81 sq ft | about 10 m² |
Tips
- Use the circle option for tree rings: measure across the ring (the diameter).
- Water the ground and weed it before mulching. Mulch holds moisture in, but it won't kill established weeds.
- Bulk mulch is much cheaper than bags once you need more than about 2 cubic yards.
Filling new beds as well? Use the topsoil calculator first.
More landscaping tools: gravel calculator · topsoil calculator · sod calculator.
FAQ
How much area does a yard of mulch cover?
One cubic yard covers about 108 sq ft at 3 in deep, 162 sq ft at 2 in, or 324 sq ft at 1 in.
How many bags of mulch are in a yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cu ft, so it equals about 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft or 9 bags of 3 cu ft.
How deep should mulch be?
2–3 in for most beds, up to 4 in for weed control on bare ground. Keep it 2–3 in away from tree trunks and plant stems to avoid rot.
Do I need to remove old mulch first?
Not usually. Rake it to loosen it and top up to the total depth you want. Remove it if it has matted into a layer that water can't get through.