Mulch Calculation Chart
You can use the calculation chart below to determine how much mulch in cubic yards it will take to cover a given area based on how thick you intend on applying the mulch. (There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard.)
Before you can calculate how mulch will be required for a given area, you will first need to determine the total square feet of the area to be covered.
Here are a couple examples to help you determine total square feet of a planting area:
- To determine total square footage of a square or rectangular area:
multiply the length of the area by the width of an area. For example: If the length of an area is 100', and the width of the area is 50', the equation would look like this:
100' x 50' = 5,000 Total Square Feet
- To determine the square footage of a circular area:
Start by multiply the length of the radius of the circle by itself. (The radius of a circle is the distance from the center of the circle to the outside edge of the circle.) For example, if the diameter of a circle is 20' across, the radius of a circle is 10'.
After multiplying the radius of a circle by itself, multiply that total figure by 3.14. For example, if you determine that the radius of a circle is 10' the equation would look like this:
10' x 10' = 100', then 100' x 3.14 = 314 total square feet
Mulch Calculation Chart
Use the mulch calculation chart below to determine the quantity of mulch in cubic yards needed to cover the area of your project. There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard.
NOTE: To avoid development of fungus and to allow plants to receive water from rainfall, we highly recommend spreading shredded wood mulches no thicker than a 2" depth.
Approximate coverage rates for various types of mulch:
- Wood Mulch (Bulk) - 200-220 square feet per cubic yard at 1 1/2" depth
- Wood Mulch (3 cu.ft. Bag) - Approx. 21 square feet per 3 cu ft bag a 1 1/2" depth
- Wood Mulch (2 cu. ft. Bag) - Approx. 14 square feet per 2 cu ft bag a 1 1/2" depth
- Pinestraw (Bale) - 50-70 square feet per bale
- Pea Gravel or Marble Chips (Bag) - Approx. 7 square feet per 50 LB bag
- Lava Rock - 2 cu. ft. Bag Approx. 14 Square Feet per Bag
- Wheat Straw (Bale) 200-300 square feet per bale