Quick answer
How much mulch do you need? cu yd = square feet × depth (inches) ÷ 324. A 200 sq ft bed at 3 inches = 1.85 cubic yards. Use the mulch calculator.
How to calculate mulch step-by-step
- Measure length and width of each bed (or use known sq ft).
- Choose depth — usually 2–3 inches for landscape beds.
- Convert: sq ft × inches ÷ 324 = cubic yards.
- Add 5–10% for uneven ground and settling.
- Convert to bags (cu ft ÷ bag size) or order bulk by the yard.
Cubic yards = Square feet × Depth (inches) ÷ 324
Worked examples
| Project | Area | Depth | Cu yd (no waste) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flower border | 4 × 20 (80 sq ft) | 3 in | 0.74 |
| Front beds | 200 sq ft | 3 in | 1.85 |
| Side yard beds | 300 sq ft | 2 in | 1.85 |
| Tree ring (10 ft dia) | ~79 sq ft | 3 in | 0.73 |
Yards vs bags
One cubic yard ≈ 13.5 of the common 2 cu ft bags. Under ~2 cubic yards, bags are convenient; larger jobs usually favor bulk landscape mulch. Coverage tables and bark notes: bark mulch coverage guide.