Quick Answer
1 Cubic Yard = 27 Cubic Feet
- 27 ÷ 2 = 13.5 bags (2 cu ft bags) — buy 14 to be safe
- 27 ÷ 3 = 9 bags (3 cu ft bags)
- 27 ÷ 1.5 = 18 bags (1.5 cu ft bags)
Multi-Yard Bag Count Table
| Cubic Yards | 2 cu ft Bags | 3 cu ft Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 yd³ | 7 bags | 5 bags |
| 1 yd³ | 14 bags | 9 bags |
| 2 yd³ | 27 bags | 18 bags |
| 3 yd³ | 41 bags | 27 bags |
| 5 yd³ | 68 bags | 45 bags |
| 10 yd³ | 135 bags | 90 bags |
Cost: Bags vs. Bulk
| Method | Typical Price | Cost per Yd³ | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 cu ft bag ($4 avg) | $4/bag | $54/yd³ | Under 1 yd³ |
| 3 cu ft bag ($5 avg) | $5/bag | $45/yd³ | Under 2 yd³ |
| Bulk delivery | $25–$45/yd³ | $25–$45/yd³ | 2+ cubic yards |
💡 Break-even point
Bags cost 50–100% more than bulk once you're over 2 cubic yards. If you need 3+ yards, call a landscaping supplier — bulk delivery almost always wins on cost.
Calculate How Many Bags You Need
Enter your bed size and depth for exact bag counts and cubic yards.
Open Bags of Mulch Calculator →FAQ
How many 2 cubic foot bags of mulch in a cubic yard?
Exactly 13.5 bags. Since you can't buy half a bag, always buy 14 bags per cubic yard needed.
How many bags of mulch do I need for 200 sq ft at 3 inches?
200 × 3 ÷ 324 = 1.85 cubic yards. At 3 cu ft bags: 1.85 × 9 = 17 bags.