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🌱Mulch, Soil & Gravel Calculator
Formula
- Cubic feet = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12
- Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
- Bags = cubic feet ÷ bag size, rounded up
Coverage of one cubic yard
| Depth | Covers |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft |
For irregular beds, split the area into rectangles and add them, or measure the longest length and average width.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should mulch be?
2 to 3 inches is the usual recommendation for garden beds; 3 to 4 inches for paths. Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and plant stems.
How much area does a cubic yard of mulch cover?
One cubic yard covers 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 sq ft at 2 inches and 108 sq ft at 3 inches.
How many bags of mulch equal a yard?
Bagged mulch is usually sold in 2 cubic foot bags, so a cubic yard (27 ft³) is 13.5 bags. Some brands sell 1.5 or 3 ft³ bags.
How heavy is a cubic yard of gravel?
Roughly 1.3 to 1.5 tons, depending on the stone type and how wet it is. This calculator uses 1.4 tons per cubic yard as a planning estimate; ask your supplier for their figure.
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Last reviewed: 2026-10-17