When you buy mulch in bulk for your garden or yard, it usually comes by the cubic yard. This is a big pile! So, how much does a cubic yard of mulch cover? A single cubic yard of mulch covers about 324 square feet if you spread it just one inch thick. But most people spread it deeper than that, usually 2 to 4 inches deep. At a typical depth of 3 inches, a cubic yard of mulch covers roughly 108 square feet. Knowing this helps you figure out exactly how much you need for your landscaping projects, saving you time and money. Let’s break down what a cubic yard is and how to figure out the right amount for your yard.
Image Source: images.thdstatic.com
Getting What a Cubic Yard Is
Think of a cubic yard like a box. This box is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high. It’s quite large! The word “cubic” means it has three dimensions: length, width, and height. When we say “yard,” we mean the measurement of 3 feet. So, a cubic yard is a volume of space that is 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet.
To get the total volume inside this box, you multiply the numbers: 3 feet * 3 feet * 3 feet = 27 cubic feet.
So, one cubic yard holds the same amount of stuff as 27 cubic feet. This is the standard measurement when you buy bulk mulch size. It’s how nurseries and landscape supply places sell large amounts of mulch, soil, gravel, and other materials. Buying in this bulk landscaping cubic yard size is often cheaper per unit than buying small bags.
Visualizing This Size
It can be hard to picture 27 cubic feet. Here are some ways to think about how big one cubic yard of mulch is:
- Pickup Truck Bed: A standard pickup truck bed (like a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado) can often hold about 2 to 3 cubic yards of material, depending on the bed size and if it’s filled level or mounded. So, one cubic yard is roughly half to one-third of a standard truck bed filled level.
- Washing Machine: Imagine stacking about 4 or 5 large washing machines on top of each other. That’s close to the volume of a cubic yard.
- Large Appliance Box: A box big enough to fit a full-size refrigerator is somewhat close in volume to a cubic yard.
- Small Car Trunk: A large SUV trunk might hold close to a cubic yard if packed full.
When the delivery truck arrives with one cubic yard, it will look like a good-sized pile dumped in your driveway or yard.
Figuring Out How Much Mulch
The main reason people ask “How big is a cubic yard?” is because they need to know how much mulch to order. You don’t want too little and run out, and you don’t want too much extra. To estimate mulch needed correctly, you need to know the size of the area you want to cover and how deep you want the mulch to be.
This involves a simple mulch volume calculation. Here are the steps:
- Measure Your Area: Find the size of the space you want to mulch. You usually measure this in square feet. If your area is a simple shape like a rectangle or square, measure the length and the width in feet and multiply them together (Length * Width = Square Feet).
- Example: A garden bed is 20 feet long and 5 feet wide. The area is 20 * 5 = 100 square feet.
- Decide Your Mulch Depth: Think about how deep you want the layer of mulch. Typical mulch depths for landscaping range from 2 to 4 inches.
- Weed Control: Use 2 to 3 inches. A deeper layer (4 inches) is better for stopping weeds.
- Moisture Retention: 2 to 3 inches helps keep soil moist.
- Looks Nice: 2 to 3 inches often looks best.
- New Beds: Start with 3 inches.
- Adding to Old Mulch: 1 to 2 inches might be enough to freshen things up.
- Convert Depth to Feet: Your area is in square feet, but a cubic yard is based on cubic feet. So, you need to change your desired depth from inches into feet. Do this by dividing the number of inches by 12 (because there are 12 inches in a foot).
- Example: You want the mulch 3 inches deep. 3 inches / 12 inches per foot = 0.25 feet.
- Example: You want the mulch 4 inches deep. 4 inches / 12 inches per foot = 0.33 feet (approx).
- Example: You want the mulch 2 inches deep. 2 inches / 12 inches per foot = 0.167 feet (approx).
- Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet: Now, multiply the area (in square feet) by the depth (in feet). This gives you the total volume of mulch you need in cubic feet.
- Using the Examples:
- Area: 100 sq ft. Depth: 3 inches (0.25 ft). Volume: 100 * 0.25 = 25 cubic feet.
- Area: 100 sq ft. Depth: 4 inches (0.33 ft). Volume: 100 * 0.33 = 33 cubic feet.
- Area: 100 sq ft. Depth: 2 inches (0.167 ft). Volume: 100 * 0.167 = 16.7 cubic feet.
- Using the Examples:
- Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards: Remember that 1 cubic yard is equal to 27 cubic feet. To find out how many cubic yards you need, divide your total volume in cubic feet by 27.
- Using the Examples:
- Volume: 25 cubic feet. Cubic Yards: 25 / 27 = 0.93 cubic yards.
- Volume: 33 cubic feet. Cubic Yards: 33 / 27 = 1.22 cubic yards.
- Volume: 16.7 cubic feet. Cubic Yards: 16.7 / 27 = 0.62 cubic yards.
- Using the Examples:
So, for a 100 square foot area, you would need about 0.93 cubic yards for 3 inches deep, 1.22 cubic yards for 4 inches deep, or 0.62 cubic yards for 2 inches deep. You’ll likely round up when ordering. For 3 inches deep, you’d order 1 cubic yard. For 4 inches deep, you’d order 1.5 or 2 cubic yards depending on how the supplier sells (they often sell in halves or quarters).
What About Odd Shapes?
Gardens aren’t always perfect rectangles. If you have an area that isn’t a simple shape, you can still figure out the size.
- Break It Down: Divide the area into smaller, simple shapes (like squares, rectangles, or circles). Figure out the area of each small shape. Then add all the areas together.
- Estimate: For very odd shapes, you can estimate by finding the largest rectangle or square that fits mostly inside the area and adding a bit for the parts outside that box. Or, measure the longest length and the longest width to get a rough maximum size.
- Use a Grid: For very complex areas, you can lay a grid of string or use graph paper over a drawing of the area. Count the squares inside. If each square represents, say, 5 feet by 5 feet (25 sq ft), multiply the number of squares by the area of one square.
Don’t stress too much about being exact to the inch. Getting a good estimate is the goal.
Seeing How Far Mulch Goes: Cubic Yard Coverage
The big question is: how much does a cubic yard of mulch cover in terms of square feet? This depends entirely on how deep you spread the mulch.
We know 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet.
The formula for coverage is: (Cubic Feet per Cubic Yard) / (Desired Depth in Feet) = Square Feet Covered.
Let’s look at square feet per cubic yard mulch at common depths:
- 1 inch deep:
- 1 inch = 1/12 feet ≈ 0.083 feet
- 27 cubic feet / 0.083 feet ≈ 325 square feet
- 2 inches deep:
- 2 inches = 2/12 feet ≈ 0.167 feet
- 27 cubic feet / 0.167 feet ≈ 162 square feet
- 3 inches deep:
- 3 inches = 3/12 feet = 0.25 feet
- 27 cubic feet / 0.25 feet = 108 square feet
- 4 inches deep:
- 4 inches = 4/12 feet ≈ 0.333 feet
- 27 cubic feet / 0.333 feet ≈ 81 square feet
Here is a table showing cubic yard coverage at different depths:
| Desired Mulch Depth | Depth in Feet (Approx) | Square Feet Covered by 1 Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 0.083 ft | ~325 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 0.167 ft | ~162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 0.25 ft | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 0.333 ft | ~81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 0.5 ft | 54 sq ft |
Note: These numbers are estimates. Real-world coverage can vary slightly based on how evenly you spread the mulch and the type of mulch.
Using this table makes it easier to estimate mulch needed.
- If your area is 200 sq ft and you want 3 inches of mulch: You need more than 108 sq ft worth but less than 162 sq ft worth. You’ll need about 200 sq ft / 108 sq ft/cubic yard ≈ 1.85 cubic yards. You would likely order 2 cubic yards.
- If your area is 500 sq ft and you want 2 inches of mulch: You need more than 162 sq ft worth. You’ll need about 500 sq ft / 162 sq ft/cubic yard ≈ 3.08 cubic yards. You would likely order 3 or 3.5 cubic yards.
Always round up if you are close to needing more. It’s better to have a little extra than not enough.
Typical Depths for Mulch
Choosing the right depth is important. Typical mulch depths depend on what you want the mulch to do.
- 1 inch: This depth is mostly for looks or just refreshing an existing mulch layer. It doesn’t do much for weed control or keeping moisture in the soil.
- 2 inches: This is good for established beds where weeds are already under control. It helps hold moisture and makes things look tidy.
- 3 inches: This is the most common depth for new mulch beds. It’s thick enough to block most weeds and holds moisture well.
- 4 inches: Use this depth in areas with tough weeds or if you want maximum moisture retention. Be careful not to pile mulch too deep right against tree trunks or shrub stems, as this can cause problems. Keep mulch a few inches away from the base of plants.
- More than 4 inches: This is usually too much. It can stop water from reaching the soil, hurt plant roots by keeping them too wet or too dry, and attract pests.
Understanding typical mulch depths helps you make a good choice for your yard.
Factors That Change Coverage
While the math gives you a good starting point, a few things can affect how far a cubic yard of mulch actually goes in your yard.
- Type of Mulch: Mulches vary in size and shape.
- Fine Mulch: Materials like shredded bark or fine compost might compact more, meaning a cubic yard could cover slightly less area than the math suggests, especially over time.
- Coarse Mulch: Larger chunks like bark nuggets might leave bigger air pockets. A cubic yard might seem to cover slightly more, but you still need enough depth to get the benefits.
- Wood Chips: Can vary greatly.
- How You Spread It: Are you careful to spread it evenly? Or are some spots thicker than others? Uneven spreading means you might cover less area overall to get the needed depth everywhere.
- The Ground: If the ground is very uneven, you might need more mulch to get a consistent depth across the whole area. Filling in dips requires extra material.
- Existing Material: Are you putting new mulch over old mulch? The old layer adds some depth, so you might not need to spread the new mulch as thick. However, don’t just keep piling it on year after year without checking the total depth.
- Compaction: Over time, mulch settles and breaks down. A fresh cubic yard might seem fluffy, but it will become denser. This isn’t really about initial coverage but how long the mulch lasts and how often you need to add more.
Keep these points in mind when you do your estimate mulch needed. It might be wise to add a small buffer, especially if you are unsure about measurements or have uneven ground.
Estimating How Much Mulch You Need: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s put it all together with a clear plan to estimate mulch needed for your specific project.
Step 1: Walk the Area
Look at the places you want to mulch. Think about how deep you want the mulch in each spot. Write down the different areas if you have more than one.
Step 2: Measure Each Area
Get a measuring tape or wheel. Walk the edges of each area you want to cover.
- Rectangles/Squares: Measure the length and the width in feet. Write them down.
- Circles: Measure the distance across the middle (the diameter) in feet. Write it down.
- Odd Shapes: Use the methods mentioned before (break into shapes, estimate, or grid). Get the total square footage. Write it down.
Example:
Area 1 (Front Bed): Rectangle, 30 feet long, 6 feet wide.
Area 2 (Around Tree): Circle, 10 feet across.
Area 3 (Side Path Border): Long rectangle, 50 feet long, 2 feet wide.
Step 3: Calculate Square Footage for Each Area
Use the measurements you took.
- Rectangle/Square: Length * Width = Square Feet
- Area 1: 30 ft * 6 ft = 180 sq ft
- Area 3: 50 ft * 2 ft = 100 sq ft
- Circle: The area of a circle is calculated using the formula π * (radius)^2. The radius is half the diameter. π (pi) is about 3.14.
- Area 2: Diameter is 10 ft, so radius is 10 / 2 = 5 ft.
- Area: 3.14 * (5 ft * 5 ft) = 3.14 * 25 sq ft = 78.5 sq ft. Round to 79 sq ft.
Step 4: Choose Your Desired Depth
Decide how deep you want the mulch for each area. Most people use 2, 3, or 4 inches.
- Example:
- Area 1 (Front Bed): 3 inches
- Area 2 (Around Tree): 2 inches (sometimes slightly less around the trunk base)
- Area 3 (Side Path Border): 3 inches
Step 5: Convert Depth to Feet
Divide the inches by 12.
- Example:
- 3 inches / 12 = 0.25 feet
- 2 inches / 12 ≈ 0.167 feet
Step 6: Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet for Each Area
Multiply the square footage by the depth in feet.
- Example:
- Area 1: 180 sq ft * 0.25 ft = 45 cubic feet
- Area 2: 79 sq ft * 0.167 ft ≈ 13 cubic feet
- Area 3: 100 sq ft * 0.25 ft = 25 cubic feet
Step 7: Add Up Total Cubic Feet
Add the cubic feet needed for all your areas.
- Example: 45 cu ft + 13 cu ft + 25 cu ft = 83 cubic feet total.
Step 8: Convert Total Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards
Divide the total cubic feet by 27.
- Example: 83 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet per cubic yard ≈ 3.07 cubic yards.
Step 9: Round Up and Order
You need about 3.07 cubic yards. You should order 3 cubic yards, or if the supplier sells in half yards, you might order 3.5 cubic yards to be safe, especially since factors can reduce coverage slightly. Ordering 3 cubic yards will likely be close enough if you can live with slightly less than 3 inches in some spots. Ordering 3.5 gives you a buffer.
This detailed calculation for your specific areas is the best way to know how much you need.
What About Mulch Weight Per Cubic Yard?
You might wonder about the weight of a cubic yard of mulch. While it’s heavy, mulch is almost always sold by volume (cubic yards) rather than weight.
Why? Because the weight of mulch changes a lot!
- Moisture: Wet mulch weighs much more than dry mulch. If it rains the day before delivery, your cubic yard will be heavier than if it’s been sunny and dry.
- Type of Material: Different materials have different densities. A cubic yard of shredded bark might weigh less than a cubic yard of heavier wood chips or rock mulch (though rock isn’t usually called mulch in the same way).
Selling by volume (cubic yards) makes it fairer for everyone. A cubic yard is always 27 cubic feet of material, regardless of how much water is in it.
Just know that a cubic yard of mulch is heavy. Don’t plan on moving the whole pile by hand in one go! You’ll need a wheelbarrow and shovel. A cubic yard of dry shredded wood mulch can weigh roughly 400-600 pounds, and wet mulch can weigh 1000 pounds or more. This is why delivery is common for bulk orders.
Bulk Mulch Size vs. Bags
You can buy mulch in bulk by the cubic yard or in small bags (usually 2 or 3 cubic feet per bag). When thinking about landscaping cubic yard size, consider the pros and cons.
Buying Bulk (Cubic Yards)
- Pros:
- Usually much cheaper per cubic foot or yard.
- Less plastic waste from bags.
- Faster to get a large amount delivered and dumped in one spot.
- Looks better when spread because it’s often fresher and not as finely broken down as some bagged mulches.
- Cons:
- Requires a large space for delivery (driveway, yard).
- You have to move the whole pile yourself with a wheelbarrow and shovel.
- You might end up with slightly more or less than you need since you buy in full or half cubic yards.
- Less variety in smaller quantities (you usually need at least 1 cubic yard).
Buying Bags (2 or 3 cubic feet)
- Pros:
- Easy to transport in a car.
- Less labor to move bags to different parts of the yard.
- Easy to buy exactly how much you need (or close to it).
- Wide variety of types, colors, and textures available at garden centers.
- Less messy initially (no big pile dumped).
- Cons:
- Much more expensive per cubic foot/yard.
- Creates a lot of plastic bag waste.
- Can take many trips to the store and a lot of bags for a large area.
- Mulch in bags can sometimes be more broken down or dusty.
If you need more than about 10-15 bags (which equals roughly 20-45 cubic feet, or less than 2 cubic yards), buying in bulk by the cubic yard is usually the better and more cost-effective option for most landscaping projects. For example, 1 cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. If bags are 3 cubic feet each, you’d need 9 bags to equal 1 cubic yard. If bags cost $4 each, that’s $36 for 1 cubic yard’s worth. A cubic yard in bulk might cost $25-$40 depending on location and mulch type. The savings add up quickly for larger projects.
Getting Your Bulk Mulch Home
Once you figure out how many cubic yards you need using your mulch volume calculation, how do you get it?
- Delivery: This is the most common method for bulk mulch size. The supplier uses a dump truck to bring the mulch to your house. You need to tell them exactly where to dump it – make sure it’s a place the truck can easily reach and dump safely (like your driveway). Check for overhead wires or trees.
- Pickup: If you have a pickup truck with a suitable bed size, you might be able to pick up the mulch yourself. Call ahead to see if they load trucks and what the minimum amount for pickup is. Be aware of your truck’s weight capacity! As mentioned, a cubic yard is heavy. You might only be able to safely carry half or a full cubic yard depending on your truck. Don’t overload it.
Plan this step before you order!
Spreading Your Mulch
Once the mulch pile is there, the work begins!
- Use a sturdy wheelbarrow to move mulch from the pile to your garden beds.
- Use a shovel or pitchfork to load the wheelbarrow. A pitchfork is often easier for fluffy mulch.
- Dump small piles throughout the bed.
- Use a rake or your hands (wear gloves!) to spread the mulch evenly to your desired depth (check the typical mulch depths again).
- Remember to keep mulch a few inches away from the base of plants and tree trunks to prevent rot and pest issues.
- Water the mulch lightly after spreading. This helps it settle in and prevents it from blowing away.
FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about cubic yards of mulch and how much you need.
Q: How much does a cubic yard of mulch cover?
A: A cubic yard of mulch covers 108 square feet at a depth of 3 inches, which is a common depth for landscaping. It covers more area if spread thinner and less area if spread thicker.
Q: What are the cubic yard dimensions for mulch?
A: A cubic yard is a volume equal to a cube that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high. This volume is 27 cubic feet.
Q: How do I figure out how much mulch I need for my yard?
A: You need to measure the area in square feet and decide how deep you want the mulch (in inches). Multiply the area by the depth in feet (inches divided by 12). This gives you the volume in cubic feet. Divide the cubic feet by 27 to get the number of cubic yards needed. This is your mulch volume calculation.
Q: How many square feet are in a cubic yard of mulch?
A: A cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet. The number of square feet it covers depends on the depth. At 1 inch deep, it covers about 325 sq ft. At 2 inches, about 162 sq ft. At 3 inches, 108 sq ft. At 4 inches, about 81 sq ft. These figures show square feet per cubic yard mulch.
Q: What are typical mulch depths for landscaping?
A: Typical mulch depths range from 2 to 4 inches. 2 inches is good for refreshing existing beds. 3 inches is standard for new beds for weed control and moisture retention. 4 inches is for tough weeds or maximum moisture holding, but avoid piling it against plant stems.
Q: Does mulch weight per cubic yard matter when ordering?
A: No, mulch is almost always sold by volume (cubic yard), not weight. Weight changes a lot depending on moisture content. Ordering by the cubic yard ensures you get 27 cubic feet of material.
Q: Is buying bulk mulch size cheaper than buying bags?
A: Yes, generally buying mulch in bulk by the cubic yard is much cheaper per volume unit than buying the same amount in smaller bags, especially for larger landscaping projects.
Q: How much area does one cubic yard of mulch cover at 2 inches deep?
A: One cubic yard of mulch covers approximately 162 square feet when spread 2 inches deep.
Q: How much area does one cubic yard of mulch cover at 4 inches deep?
A: One cubic yard of mulch covers approximately 81 square feet when spread 4 inches deep.
Q: My garden bed is 10 feet by 10 feet. How much mulch do I need at 3 inches deep?
A: The area is 10 ft * 10 ft = 100 square feet. The depth is 3 inches, which is 0.25 feet. Volume needed is 100 sq ft * 0.25 ft = 25 cubic feet. To get cubic yards, divide by 27: 25 / 27 ≈ 0.93 cubic yards. You would likely order 1 cubic yard.
Wrapping Up
Knowing how big a cubic yard of mulch is – a 3x3x3 foot cube, holding 27 cubic feet – is the first step. The next step is knowing how much that volume covers, which depends on the depth you choose. By measuring your area, deciding on a depth, and doing a simple calculation, you can accurately estimate mulch needed. This helps you order the right amount of bulk mulch size for your landscaping cubic yard size projects, saving you money and hassle. Measure carefully, calculate your cubic yard coverage, and get ready to spread some mulch!