Mulch Math Made Simple

Figuring out how much mulch to order can be a daunting task. Here are some helpful tips to help you estimate the mulch you need. Measure the area you want to cover and decide how deep you want the mulch to be. Recommended depth for mulch is 4 inches. Mulch is ordered by the cubic yard. One cubic yard is 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet = 27 cubic feet.

Or, use this calculator to determine how much mulch you'll need for any given area.

YARDS TO SQUARE FEET BY DEPTH OF MULCH

1 cubic yard 1” deep will cover 324 square feet

1 cubic yard 2” deep will cover 162 square feet

1 cubic yard 3” deep will cover 108 square feet

1 cubic yard 4” deep will cover 81 square feet

1 cubic yard 5” deep will cover 64 square feet

1 cubic yard 6” deep will cover 54 square feet

SQUARE FEET TO YARDS BY DEPTHS IN INCHES

  1. Length in feet X Width in feet = square feet needed
  2. Square feet needed x depth factor = cubic feet needed (see table below for factors)
  3. Cubic feet needed ÷ 27 = yards needed

Mulch depth factors

1” – multiply by .08

2” – multiply by .16

3” – multiply by .25

4” – multiply by .33

5” – multiply by .42

6” – multiply by .50

Example:

Area to be mulched is 10’ in length, 17’ in width and needs to be covered 4” deep in mulch

  1. 19’ X 17’ = 322 square feet
  2. 323 square feet x .33 (from mulch depth factor table)= 106.6 cubic feet
  3. 106.6 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 3.95 cubic yards à order 4 cubic yards of mulch


Essex Co-Op’s Bulk Landscaping Materials

Mulch colors: Black, Light brown, Dark brown and Red

Screened Enriched Loam

Brick Ends Farm Compost by the yard