Measuring oddly shaped beds
Most beds aren't rectangles. Split each bed into rough rectangles and circles, figure each one with the square footage calculator, then enter the total under "I know the sq ft." For a curved bed along a house, measure its length along the curve and its average width.
Refreshing vs. new beds
If there's still 1–2" of old mulch, you usually only need 1" of new mulch for color. Set the depth to 1" and you'll likely need a third of what a new bed takes.
Coverage at a glance
| Depth | Sq ft per yard | Sq ft per 2 cu ft bag |
|---|---|---|
| 1" | 324 | 24 |
| 2" | 162 | 12 |
| 3" | 108 | 8 |
| 4" | 81 | 6 |
Common questions
How many bags of mulch are in a yard?
13.5 bags of the standard 2 cu ft size. A cubic yard is 27 cu ft. Some stores sell 3 cu ft bags (9 per yard) or 1.5 cu ft bags (18 per yard).
How much area does a yard of mulch cover?
About 162 sq ft at 2" deep, 108 sq ft at 3", and 81 sq ft at 4".
How deep should mulch be?
Use 2–3" for most beds and 3–4" where you want to smother weeds. More than 4" can keep water and air from reaching roots. Keep mulch pulled back a couple of inches from tree trunks. Avoid "mulch volcanoes."
Is bulk mulch cheaper than bags?
Usually, once you need more than about 1–2 yards. Bulk hardwood mulch often costs $25–$60 per yard plus delivery. The same yard in 2 cu ft bags at $3–$5 each costs $40–$70, before you count the trips to the store.
How much mulch fits in a pickup?
Mulch is light, so the bed space limits you, not the payload. A full-size pickup holds about 2 yards heaped level. A compact truck holds about 1–1.5.
Prices last checked October 2026.