How Many Square Feet Are in a Yard of Mulch : Understanding Mulch Coverage for Your Landscaping Needs

When tackling garden or landscape projects, understanding how much mulch you'll need is essential for effective coverage. Mulch is often sold by the cubic yard, not by the square foot, which can be confusing if you're trying to estimate quantities for a specific area. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you calculate how many square feet a yard of mulch will cover.

One cubic yard of mulch measures 27 cubic feet (since 1 yard = 3 feet, so 3 x 3 x 3 = 27). However, coverage in square feet depends on the depth of mulch you’re aiming to achieve:

1. At 2 inches deep: 1 cubic yard covers about 162 square feet.
2. At 3 inches deep (recommended for most garden beds): 1 cubic yard covers approximately 108 square feet.
3. At 4 inches deep: 1 cubic yard covers about 81 square feet.

To calculate the exact amount you need for your project, measure your garden’s square footage (length x width), then choose your desired mulch depth. Use this formula:

Square feet needed ÷ Coverage per cubic yard at your selected depth = Number of cubic yards to order.

For example, if your space is 324 square feet and you want a 3-inch layer, you’d need 3 cubic yards of mulch (324 ÷ 108 = 3).

As a designer, I’ve learned that accurately planning mulch quantities not only saves money and time but also ensures a balanced and visually pleasing landscape. If you’re mapping out various zones or considering a detailed planting layout, tools like a room planner can help you visually optimize every aspect of your outdoor (and indoor) design before you buy any materials, creating a functional and harmonious space.

Tips 1:

Always round up your mulch order slightly to account for settling and natural mulch decomposition over time. Consider landscape fabric underneath to further cut down on weed growth and extend the mulch’s lifespan.

FAQ

Q: How many square feet will one yard of mulch cover at 2 inches deep?

A: One cubic yard of mulch will cover approximately 162 square feet at 2 inches deep.

Q: How do I convert square feet to cubic yards of mulch needed?

A: Divide your total square footage by the coverage per cubic yard at your desired depth (e.g., 108 sq ft per yard at 3 inches deep) to determine how many yards you need.

Q: What depth of mulch is recommended?

A: For most garden beds, 2–3 inches is ideal—deeper layers may block water or air from reaching roots.

Q: Is it better to buy mulch in bags or by the yard?

A: Buying by the yard is typically more cost-effective for large projects, while bags are better for small touch-ups.

Q: Can I use this formula for other landscaping materials?

A: Yes, this cubic yard to square footage method also applies to soil, gravel, and similar landscape materials—just remember to adjust for the material’s settling and desired depth.