LANDSCAPING
How Much Mulch Do I Need? Coverage Calculator & Cost Guide
Figure out how many cubic yards or bags of mulch and decorative rock you need for a bed, plus what it costs installed.
Mulch is sold by the cubic yard in bulk or by the bag, and the amount you need depends on the bed area and how deep you lay it. This guide gives you the coverage math, the cost ranges and a calculator so you can order the right amount the first time.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
A cubic yard of mulch covers about 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep (54 sq ft at 6 in). For a 200 sq ft bed at 3 in you need about 1.85 cubic yards, or 25 bags of 2 cu ft. Bulk mulch runs $25–$50 per yard delivered.
The coverage math that matters
One cubic yard of mulch covers 108 sq ft at the standard 3-inch depth, or 54 sq ft at 6 inches. The formula is simple: area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324 = cubic yards. Add a little extra — beds are never perfectly flat.
- 3 in deep: 1 yd³ covers 108 sq ft
- 6 in deep: 1 yd³ covers 54 sq ft
- Decorative rock covers less because it is heavier and laid thinner
- Always round up by 5–10%
Bulk vs. bags
Bulk mulch delivered by the yard is almost always 30–50% cheaper per volume, but you need a place to dump it and a way to move it. Bags (typically 2 cu ft) are easier to handle and perfect for small beds — 13.5 bags make 1 yard.
What mulch costs installed
Material alone is usually $25–$50 per cubic yard delivered. Adding delivery and installation labor, expect roughly $60–$120 per cubic yard installed. Decorative rock costs more: $40–$100 per yard for material, sometimes $150+ installed.
Try the calculator with your bed
Enter your bed area, the depth you want and the delivered price per yard to get the exact volume, bag count and material cost.