Charts
Mulch Coverage Chart
Quick Answer
One cubic yard of mulch covers about 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, 108 square feet at 3 inches, or 81 square feet at 4 inches.
Practical Guide
Mulch coverage changes quickly with depth. A 3-inch layer uses 50% more material than a 2-inch layer over the same area.
Use this chart for planning, then confirm bag sizes or bulk delivery measurements with the supplier before ordering.
How to Use the Chart
Find your project area, choose the desired depth, and read the estimated cubic yards. If you buy bags, multiply cubic yards by 27 to get cubic feet and divide by the bag size.
Formula
Area square feet x depth inches / 12 = cubic feet. Cubic feet / 27 = cubic yards.
| Area | 2 inches | 3 inches | 4 inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 cu yd | 0.93 cu yd | 1.23 cu yd |
| 250 sq ft | 1.54 cu yd | 2.31 cu yd | 3.09 cu yd |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 cu yd | 4.63 cu yd | 6.17 cu yd |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 cu yd | 9.26 cu yd | 12.35 cu yd |
FAQ
How much does one cubic yard of mulch cover?+
About 162 square feet at 2 inches, 108 square feet at 3 inches, or 81 square feet at 4 inches.
How many 2 cubic foot bags equal one cubic yard?+
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it equals 13.5 two-cubic-foot bags. Round up to 14 bags.
Is a 3-inch mulch layer enough?+
A 3-inch layer is a common target for weed control and moisture retention in many beds.
Should I include extra mulch?+
A 5% to 10% extra allowance can help with settling, uneven ground, and measurement differences.