Formulas reviewed October 11, 2026 by the Home Project Calculators team ·See our methodology & sources

Bulk Yards • 2 cu ft Bags • 3 cu ft Bags

Mulch & Soil Calculator

Figure out exactly how many bulk cubic yards or retail bags of mulch, bark, topsoil, or compost your landscaping beds require.

Quick Presets:
Blank uses the $40/yd³ delivered average

Mulch Coverage Chart (3-Inch Standard Depth)

Garden Bed SizeSquare FeetCubic Yards2 cu ft Bags3 cu ft Bags
Small Planter (4 × 8 ft)32 sq ft0.30 yd³4 Bags3 Bags
Front Bed (4 × 25 ft)100 sq ft0.93 yd³13 Bags9 Bags
Perimeter Landscape (5 × 50 ft)250 sq ft2.31 yd³32 Bags21 Bags
Large Yard Beds (500 sq ft)500 sq ft4.63 yd³63 Bags42 Bags

How to Calculate Mulch Volume

Mulch is measured in cubic yards for bulk delivery (1 yard = 27 cubic feet) or in bags (usually 2 or 3 cubic feet per bag).

Mulch Formula:

1. Area in Square Feet = Length (ft) × Width (ft)

2. Cubic Feet = Area × (Depth in inches ÷ 12)

3. Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27

4. 2 cu ft Bags = ⌈ Cubic Feet ÷ 2 ⌉

5. 3 cu ft Bags = ⌈ Cubic Feet ÷ 3 ⌉

Frequently Asked Questions

When is bulk mulch cheaper than bagged mulch?

If your project requires more than 2 to 3 cubic yards (roughly 27 to 40 bags), ordering a bulk dump truck delivery from a local landscape supply yard is usually 30% to 50% cheaper than buying individual bags at a home improvement center.

How much does 1 cubic yard of mulch cover?

One cubic yard of mulch covers 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 108 square feet at 3 inches deep.

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