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Bags per cubic yard
| Bag size | Bags per yd³ | Bags to buy |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 cu ft | 18.0 | 18 |
| 2 cu ft | 13.5 | 14 |
| 3 cu ft | 9.0 | 9 |
How much area does a yard cover?
| Depth | Area per yd³ | Area per 2 cu ft bag |
|---|---|---|
| 1″ | 324 sq ft | 24 sq ft |
| 2″ | 162 sq ft | 12 sq ft |
| 3″ | 108 sq ft | 8 sq ft |
| 4″ | 81 sq ft | 6 sq ft |
At the common 3-inch depth, a yard covers 108 sq ft and a 2 cu ft bag covers 8 sq ft. A 10×20 bed (200 sq ft) at 3 inches needs 50 cu ft: 1.85 yards, or 25 bags of 2 cu ft.
Bagged or bulk?
Bagged mulch is easier to move and store; bulk mulch from a landscape yard is sold by the cubic yard and is usually cheaper per cubic foot once you need more than a couple of yards, though delivery fees vary. Compare the price of 14 bags against one bulk yard plus delivery before ordering.
How deep should mulch be?
Many university extension services recommend 2–4 inches for most beds, and warn against piling mulch against tree trunks (“mulch volcanoes”), which can trap moisture against the bark. Top up an existing bed with 1–2 inches rather than starting from scratch.
Related
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of mulch make a yard?
13.5 bags of 2 cu ft (buy 14), or 9 bags of 3 cu ft.
How many square feet does a yard of mulch cover?
108 sq ft at 3 inches deep; 162 sq ft at 2 inches.
How many bags of mulch for 100 square feet?
13 bags of 2 cu ft at 3 inches (25 cu ft ÷ 2, rounded up).
Is a 2 cu ft bag of mulch a yard?
No. A cubic yard is 27 cu ft, so one 2 cu ft bag is about 7% of a yard.