Mulch Coverage Calculator
Enter cubic yards and depth to see how many square feet mulch covers.
Mulch Coverage Formula
Divide cubic feet by depth in feet to get square feet of coverage. One cubic yard of mulch covers 162 square feet at 2 inches deep.
Understanding Mulch Coverage
Mulch Coverage Rates by Type
| Mulch Type | Coverage at 2 in | Coverage at 3 in | Weight per CY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shredded Hardwood | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 400-600 lbs |
| Pine Bark Nuggets | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 400-500 lbs |
| Cedar Mulch | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 400-500 lbs |
| Cypress Mulch | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 500-650 lbs |
| Rubber Mulch | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 1,200-1,500 lbs |
Calculating Coverage for Irregular Beds
- Rectangular: Length x Width for area in square feet.
- Triangular: (Base x Height) / 2 for area.
- Circular: pi x radius squared for full circles.
- Curved beds: Measure width at 3-4 points, average the widths, multiply by length.
Seasonal Mulch Application
Apply mulch in spring after soil warms to 55 degrees F. Applying too early traps cold temperatures. In fall, add a thin 1-inch layer over perennial beds for winter insulation. Total depth should never exceed 4 inches.
Mulch Coverage Calculator FAQ
Measure total area in sq ft, multiply by depth in feet (3 inches = 0.25 ft), divide by 27 for CY. For 500 sq ft at 3 inches: 500 x 0.25 / 27 = 4.63 CY.
One CY covers 162 sq ft at 2 inches, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, and 81 sq ft at 4 inches. Consistent across most mulch types.
Apply 2-3 inches for fine shredded mulch and 3-4 inches for large nuggets. Never exceed 4 inches total. Keep mulch 3-6 inches from plant stems and trunks.
At 2 inches: 6.17 CY. At 3 inches: 9.26 CY. At 4 inches: 12.35 CY.
Top-dress annually with 1 inch of fresh mulch. Full replacement every 2-3 years when the layer has completely decomposed. Replenish when below 2 inches.
Shredded hardwood and cedar mulch at 3 inches deep. Fine-textured mulch mats together, blocking light and preventing weed germination.