If you are asking how many bags of mulch fit into a cubic yard, here is the direct answer: A standard 2 cubic feet mulch bag contains 2 cubic feet of mulch. There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard. To find out how many 2 cubic feet bags are in a cubic yard, you divide the total cubic feet in a yard (27) by the size of the bag (2). This math gives you 13.5 bags. Since you cannot buy half a bag of mulch, you will need to buy 14 bags of the 2 cubic feet size to equal or slightly exceed one cubic yard of mulch.
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What is a Cubic Yard?
Let’s talk about size. When you buy mulch, it comes in sizes. These sizes help you know how much mulch you are getting. We often use the words ‘foot’ and ‘yard’.
Think of a foot. It is a measure of length. A ruler is often one foot long.
Now think of a square foot. This is a flat area. Imagine a square. Each side of the square is one foot long. The area inside that square is one square foot.
Next, think of a cubic foot. This is about space, not just a flat area. Imagine a box. This box is a square. The bottom of the box is one foot long and one foot wide. The box is also one foot tall. The space inside this box is one cubic foot.
A cubic yard is a much bigger amount of space. Think of a bigger box. This box is a square on the bottom. Each side of the bottom square is one yard long. A yard is 3 feet long. So, the bottom of the box is 3 feet by 3 feet. The box is also 1 yard tall. That means it is 3 feet tall.
To find the space inside this big box (the cubic yard), you multiply its length, width, and height.
Length: 3 feet
Width: 3 feet
Height: 3 feet
So, the space is 3 feet * 3 feet * 3 feet.
3 * 3 = 9.
9 * 3 = 27.
The space inside is 27 cubic feet.
So, there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard. This fact is very important when you calculate mulch needed for your garden or yard. Knowing that there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard helps you compare buying mulch in bulk or in bags.
Grasping Cubic Yards to Bags Conversion
We now know that one cubic yard holds the same amount of mulch as 27 cubic feet of mulch. Mulch often comes in bags. A very common size is the 2 cubic feet mulch bag. This bag holds 2 cubic feet of mulch inside it.
We want to know how many of these 2 cubic feet bags make up a cubic yard.
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet.
A bag is 2 cubic feet.
To find out how many bags fit into the cubic yard, we divide the total space (27 cubic feet) by the space in one bag (2 cubic feet).
Math time: 27 divided by 2.
27 / 2 = 13.5.
This math tells us that exactly 13 and a half bags of 2 cubic feet size would fill one cubic yard of space.
But you cannot go to the store and buy half a bag of mulch. Bags are sold whole.
So, you must buy 14 bags.
Buying 14 bags of 2 cubic feet mulch gives you a total of 14 * 2 = 28 cubic feet of mulch. This is a little bit more than one cubic yard (which is 27 cubic feet). This small extra amount is okay. It is better to have a little extra mulch than not enough.
So, for every cubic yard you need, plan on buying 14 bags if they are the 2 cubic feet size. This is the basic cubic yards to bags conversion for the most common bag size.
What About Other Bag Sizes?
Mulch bags can come in different sizes. While the 2 cubic feet mulch bag is very common, you might see other sizes like:
* 0.75 cubic feet bags
* 1 cubic foot bags
* 3 cubic feet bags
The idea is the same for any bag size. You always divide the total space in a cubic yard (27 cubic feet) by the size of the bag in cubic feet.
Let’s do some quick examples:
-
For 1 cubic foot bags:
- Cubic yard space: 27 cubic feet
- Bag size: 1 cubic foot
- Bags per yard: 27 / 1 = 27 bags.
- You would need 27 bags of this size for one cubic yard.
-
For 3 cubic feet bags:
- Cubic yard space: 27 cubic feet
- Bag size: 3 cubic feet
- Bags per yard: 27 / 3 = 9 bags.
- You would need 9 bags of this size for one cubic yard.
This shows that the bags of mulch per yard depend directly on the size of the bag you buy. Always check the bag label to see how many cubic feet are inside.
How to Calculate Mulch Needed for Your Project
Knowing how many bags are in a cubic yard is helpful. But first, you need to know how many cubic yards (or cubic feet) of mulch you need for your specific area. This step helps you figure out how many bags to buy in total.
You need to measure the area where you want to put mulch. This area is usually a garden bed or around trees. You will need two measurements:
1. The length of the area.
2. The width of the area.
Measure these in feet using a tape measure.
Let’s say your garden bed is a simple rectangle.
* Length: 20 feet
* Width: 10 feet
To find the flat area, you multiply length by width.
Area = Length * Width
Area = 20 feet * 10 feet
Area = 200 square feet.
This is the flat area you need to cover. But mulch is not flat; it has thickness or depth. You also need to decide how deep you want the mulch layer to be. Common depths are 2 inches, 3 inches, or 4 inches.
- 2 inches deep is good for renewing mulch or just topping up.
- 3 inches deep is a common depth for new mulch layers. It helps block weeds well.
- 4 inches deep gives even better weed control and holds moisture but uses more mulch.
Let’s say you want your mulch to be 3 inches deep.
Your area is 200 square feet. Your depth is 3 inches.
You cannot just multiply square feet by inches. Your area is in feet (square feet). Your depth is in inches. You need to use the same unit of measure. It is easiest to change the depth from inches into feet.
There are 12 inches in 1 foot.
To change inches to feet, you divide the inches by 12.
Your depth is 3 inches.
Depth in feet = 3 inches / 12 inches per foot
Depth in feet = 3 / 12 = 0.25 feet. (One quarter of a foot).
Now you have:
Area: 200 square feet
Depth: 0.25 feet
To find the total volume of mulch needed, you multiply the area by the depth (in feet).
Volume = Area * Depth
Volume = 200 square feet * 0.25 feet
Volume = 50 cubic feet.
This tells you that you need 50 cubic feet of mulch for your project if you want it 3 inches deep over 200 square feet.
Using a Mulch Coverage Calculator Idea
The steps above are how you calculate mulch needed manually. Many websites or apps have a mulch coverage calculator. You just type in your length, width, and desired depth, and it does the math for you. It will often tell you the total volume in cubic feet and also in cubic yards.
Why do they give you the answer in cubic feet and cubic yards? Because mulch is sold in these amounts! Bags are usually measured in cubic feet. Bulk mulch (a big pile delivered by a truck) is measured in cubic yards.
Let’s take our example: we need 50 cubic feet of mulch.
How many cubic yards is that?
There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard.
To change cubic feet to cubic yards, you divide the cubic feet by 27.
Cubic yards needed = 50 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet per yard
Cubic yards needed ≈ 1.85 cubic yards.
So, you need about 1.85 cubic yards of mulch.
Mulch Coverage Per Bag
Once you know the total cubic feet or cubic yards you need, you can figure out the number of bags. We already learned how many bags are in a cubic yard (14 bags of the 2 cubic feet size).
Let’s go back to our example. We need 50 cubic feet of mulch.
We plan to buy the common 2 cubic feet mulch bag.
How many bags do we need?
Total cubic feet needed: 50 cubic feet
Size of one bag: 2 cubic feet
Number of bags = Total cubic feet needed / Size of one bag
Number of bags = 50 cubic feet / 2 cubic feet per bag
Number of bags = 25 bags.
So, for this project needing 50 cubic feet, you would buy 25 bags of the 2 cubic feet size.
The mulch coverage per bag tells you how much area one single bag will cover at a certain depth.
Let’s use the 2 cubic feet bag again.
If you spread one 2 cubic feet bag at a depth of 1 inch:
1 inch = 1/12 feet (about 0.083 feet)
Coverage Area = Volume / Depth
Coverage Area = 2 cubic feet / (1/12 feet)
Coverage Area = 2 * 12 square feet = 24 square feet.
One bag covers 24 square feet at 1 inch deep.
If you spread one 2 cubic feet bag at a depth of 2 inches:
2 inches = 2/12 feet = 1/6 feet (about 0.167 feet)
Coverage Area = 2 cubic feet / (1/6 feet)
Coverage Area = 2 * 6 square feet = 12 square feet.
One bag covers 12 square feet at 2 inches deep.
If you spread one 2 cubic feet bag at a depth of 3 inches:
3 inches = 3/12 feet = 1/4 feet (0.25 feet)
Coverage Area = 2 cubic feet / (1/4 feet)
Coverage Area = 2 * 4 square feet = 8 square feet.
One bag covers 8 square feet at 3 inches deep.
If you spread one 2 cubic feet bag at a depth of 4 inches:
4 inches = 4/12 feet = 1/3 feet (about 0.333 feet)
Coverage Area = 2 cubic feet / (1/3 feet)
Coverage Area = 2 * 3 square feet = 6 square feet.
One bag covers 6 square feet at 4 inches deep.
This table shows mulch coverage per bag (2 cubic feet size):
| Mulch Depth | Coverage Area (per bag) |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 24 square feet |
| 2 inches | 12 square feet |
| 3 inches | 8 square feet |
| 4 inches | 6 square feet |
You can use this information to quickly estimate bags needed if you know your area and desired depth. For our 200 square foot area needing 3 inches depth:
Total Area: 200 square feet
Coverage per bag (at 3 inches): 8 square feet
Number of bags = Total Area / Coverage per bag
Number of bags = 200 square feet / 8 square feet per bag
Number of bags = 25 bags.
This matches the answer we got when we calculated the total volume first. Both ways work!
Comparing Bulk Mulch vs Bagged Mulch
When you need a lot of mulch, you have a choice. You can buy many bags from a store. Or you can buy bulk mulch from a garden center or landscape supply place. Bulk mulch comes in a large pile. It is often loaded onto a truck or trailer by a machine.
Let’s look at the differences between bulk mulch vs bagged mulch.
Bulk Mulch
- How it’s sold: By the cubic yard. This is a large amount. Remember, one cubic yard is 27 cubic feet.
- Delivery: Usually needs delivery by a special truck that can dump the large pile. This costs extra money.
- Amount: Good if you need a lot, like several cubic yards. Buying many bags can be hard work and create a lot of trash.
- Cost: Often cheaper per cubic yard than buying the same amount in bags. The cost of mulch per cubic yard can be lower in bulk. But remember to add the delivery cost.
- Types: Supply places might have a wider variety of mulch types (like different wood types, compost blends, etc.).
- Handling: The large pile is dumped in one spot. You need to move it all by hand with a shovel and wheelbarrow. This is hard work.
- Storage: You need a large space to dump the mulch. It cannot stay there forever, especially if it rains and it gets heavy or starts to decompose.
- Quality: Quality can vary. Sometimes bulk mulch might have weed seeds or not be as clean as bagged mulch.
Bagged Mulch
- How it’s sold: By the bag. Bags are usually 1, 2, or 3 cubic feet.
- Delivery: You buy bags at a store. You can take them home in your car or truck if you don’t buy too many. For large amounts, you might still need a truck or pay for store delivery.
- Amount: Good for small projects, small garden beds, or topping up existing mulch. Easy to buy just what you need.
- Cost: More expensive per cubic foot or cubic yard than bulk mulch. You pay for the bag, the packing, and the store’s costs.
- Types: Stores usually have common types like wood chips, bark mulch, or colored mulch. The selection might be smaller than a bulk supplier.
- Handling: Bags are easier to handle individually. You can place bags around the yard where you need them before opening. Less shoveling from one big pile.
- Storage: Bags are easy to store for a while if you don’t use them all at once. Keep them out of direct sun and rain if possible.
- Quality: Usually clean and consistent. The label tells you what you are getting.
Cost Comparison Example
Let’s think about the cost of mulch per cubic yard.
Suppose bulk mulch costs $30 per cubic yard plus $50 for delivery.
If you need 3 cubic yards, the cost is (3 * $30) + $50 = $90 + $50 = $140.
Cost per cubic yard (including delivery spread over 3 yards) = $140 / 3 ≈ $46.67 per cubic yard.
Now compare this to bagged mulch. Let’s use the common 2 cubic feet bag size.
We know 14 bags of 2 cubic feet equal a bit more than one cubic yard. Let’s use 14 bags as equal to 1 cubic yard for simple cost math.
Suppose a 2 cubic feet bag costs $3.00.
For one cubic yard (14 bags): 14 bags * $3.00 per bag = $42.00.
This looks cheaper than bulk at first glance ($42 vs $46.67).
But remember:
1. Bulk cost calculation included delivery. If you haul bags yourself, there’s no separate delivery cost (just your gas and time). If you need delivery for bags (buying many), that adds cost.
2. 14 bags is more than a cubic yard (28 cubic feet vs 27 cubic feet). The true cost per cubic foot from bags is higher. $3.00 / 2 cubic feet = $1.50 per cubic foot.
Cost per cubic yard from bags = $1.50 per cubic foot * 27 cubic feet = $40.50.
Let’s recalculate the bulk cost per cubic foot:
Bulk cost per cubic yard = $30 (not including delivery for this part)
Bulk cost per cubic foot = $30 / 27 cubic feet ≈ $1.11 per cubic foot.
Comparing $1.50 per cubic foot (bagged) vs $1.11 per cubic foot (bulk without delivery) shows bulk is cheaper per unit of mulch.
When deciding between bulk mulch vs bagged, you must think about:
* How much mulch you need.
* The cost of delivery for bulk.
* The price per bag and how many bags you would need.
* How much work you want to do (shoveling a pile vs carrying bags).
* Where the mulch will be placed (is the dump spot close to the garden beds?).
For large projects, bulk mulch is usually the best choice in terms of the cost of mulch per cubic yard, even with a delivery fee. For small projects, the convenience of bags is often worth the higher per-unit cost.
More About Calculating Mulch Needs
Let’s practice the calculate mulch needed steps again. This helps make sure you get it right.
Step 1: Measure your area.
Get length and width in feet.
Area size = Length (feet) * Width (feet) = ______ square feet.
What if your area is not a simple rectangle? Like a circle or a strange shape?
* Circle: Measure the distance across the middle (diameter) in feet. Divide by 2 to get the radius. Area = 3.14 * radius * radius.
* Odd shape: Break it into smaller shapes like rectangles, squares, or circles. Calculate the area of each small shape. Add them all together for the total area. Or, you can estimate the average length and average width.
Step 2: Pick your depth.
How deep do you want the mulch? Common depths are 2, 3, or 4 inches. Let’s say you pick 3 inches.
Step 3: Change depth to feet.
Depth in feet = Depth in inches / 12.
For 3 inches: 3 / 12 = 0.25 feet.
For 2 inches: 2 / 12 ≈ 0.167 feet.
For 4 inches: 4 / 12 ≈ 0.333 feet.
Step 4: Calculate total volume needed.
Volume (cubic feet) = Area (square feet) * Depth (feet).
Example: Your area is 300 square feet. You want 2 inches deep.
Area = 300 sq ft
Depth = 2 inches = 0.167 feet
Volume = 300 * 0.167 = 50.1 cubic feet. Let’s just say 50 cubic feet.
Step 5: Find bags needed (if buying bags).
We know a common bag is 2 cubic feet.
Bags needed = Total Volume (cubic feet) / Size per bag (cubic feet).
Bags needed = 50 cubic feet / 2 cubic feet per bag = 25 bags.
Example: Your area is 100 square feet. You want 4 inches deep.
Area = 100 sq ft
Depth = 4 inches = 0.333 feet
Volume = 100 * 0.333 = 33.3 cubic feet. Let’s say 34 cubic feet (always round up volume slightly to be safe).
Bags needed (2 cubic feet size) = 34 cubic feet / 2 cubic feet per bag = 17 bags.
This process helps you estimate how much mulch to buy, giving you a good idea of the bags of mulch per yard needed for your specific space, or how many individual bags you will need in total.
Using a Mulch Volume Calculator Online
Instead of doing all the steps yourself, a mulch volume calculator on a website does this math for you. You enter:
* The shape of your area (rectangle, circle).
* The size of your area (length and width, or diameter).
* The depth you want the mulch.
The calculator will give you the answer in cubic feet and cubic yards. Some calculators will even tell you how many bags you need based on common bag sizes. This is a quick way to get your numbers.
Practical Tips When Buying Mulch
- Measure Twice: Double-check your measurements before you calculate mulch needed. Getting this wrong means buying too much or not enough.
- Think About Depth: Mulch settles over time. If you are topping up mulch, you might need less depth (like 1-2 inches). If you are putting down new mulch, 3 inches is a good starting point.
- Add a Little Extra: It is smart to round up your final bag count or cubic yard amount slightly. This covers small errors in measuring or if you decide you want a tiny bit more depth in one spot. Remember, for cubic yards to bags conversion with 2 cubic feet bags, 13.5 becomes 14. If you calculate you need 1.85 cubic yards, you would probably buy 2 cubic yards in bulk. If you need 25 bags, maybe buy 26 just in case.
- Consider Delivery: If buying bulk, figure the delivery cost into your total cost of mulch per cubic yard. See if a neighbor needs mulch too; maybe you can split the delivery fee.
- Store Bags Right: If you buy bags and don’t use them all, keep them out of the rain. Wet mulch bags are very heavy!
- Mulch Different Areas: If you have many small garden beds, calculate the mulch needed for each one separately, then add the amounts together.
How Settling Affects Mulch Volume
Mulch is made of natural stuff like wood chips or bark. When you first put it down, it might be loose and fluffy. Over time, it starts to settle. Rain, gravity, and footsteps make it compact. This means your 3-inch layer might become 2.5 inches deep after a few months.
This is why it is good to put down the right initial depth (like 3 inches). It gives you a good layer for a long time. If you start with a thin layer, it will disappear quickly. You might need to add more mulch each year to keep the desired depth and maintain mulch coverage per bag you initially calculated.
Also, different types of mulch settle differently.
* Fine mulch settles more quickly than coarse, chunky mulch.
* Wood chips tend to interlock and stay put better than shredded bark.
Think about this settling when you decide on your mulch depth and calculate mulch needed.
Final Checks on Calculations
Let’s quickly review the main numbers for cubic yards to bags conversion using the common 2 cubic feet bag:
- There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard.
- A standard mulch bag is often 2 cubic feet.
- Number of bags per cubic yard = 27 / 2 = 13.5 bags.
- Since you buy whole bags, you need 14 bags of the 2 cubic feet size to cover one cubic yard’s volume.
This means if you need 2 cubic yards of mulch, you would need 2 * 14 = 28 bags.
If you need 0.5 cubic yards, you would need 0.5 * 14 = 7 bags.
Always use the cubic feet in a cubic yard number (27) to figure out conversions for any bag size. Divide 27 by the bag size in cubic feet. Round up to the next whole number of bags.
Whether you use a mulch coverage calculator, a mulch volume calculator, or do the math yourself, the goal is to get the right amount so your garden looks great and is healthy. Knowing the facts about cubic feet in a cubic yard and the size of a 2 cubic feet mulch bag is the key. Comparing bulk mulch vs bagged based on the cost of mulch per cubic yard versus the cost per bag helps you save money too.
Frequently Asked Questions
h4: How much does a cubic yard of mulch cover?
A cubic yard of mulch covers a flat area depending on how deep you spread it.
Remember one cubic yard is 27 cubic feet.
At 1 inch deep: 27 cubic feet / (1/12 feet) = 27 * 12 = 324 square feet.
At 2 inches deep: 27 cubic feet / (2/12 feet) = 27 * 6 = 162 square feet.
At 3 inches deep: 27 cubic feet / (3/12 feet) = 27 * 4 = 108 square feet.
At 4 inches deep: 27 cubic feet / (4/12 feet) = 27 * 3 = 81 square feet.
h4: Is it cheaper to buy mulch in bags or bulk?
Usually, buying mulch in bulk (by the cubic yard) is cheaper per unit of volume than buying it in bags. However, you must add the cost of delivery for bulk mulch. For small amounts, buying bags is often easier and the higher cost per bag is not a big deal. For large projects, bulk mulch is usually more cost-effective, even with delivery.
h4: How many square feet does a 2 cubic feet bag of mulch cover?
A 2 cubic feet bag of mulch covers different areas based on depth:
At 1 inch deep: 24 square feet.
At 2 inches deep: 12 square feet.
At 3 inches deep: 8 square feet.
At 4 inches deep: 6 square feet.
This is the mulch coverage per bag for the common 2 cubic feet size.
h4: How do I use a mulch coverage calculator?
A mulch coverage calculator is easy to use. You typically enter the shape of your garden bed, its size (like length and width in feet), and how many inches deep you want the mulch. The calculator then figures out the total volume of mulch you need in cubic feet and cubic yards. Some calculators also tell you how many bags of a specific size (like the 2 cubic feet mulch bag) you will need.
h4: What is the best depth for mulch?
For new mulching, a depth of 2 to 3 inches is often best. This depth helps control weeds, holds moisture in the soil, and looks good. If you are just adding fresh mulch to an area that already has some, 1 to 2 inches might be enough. For tough weeds or very dry areas, you might go up to 4 inches.