How Much Mulch Do I Need? A Simple Calculator & Coverage Chart

To find how much mulch you need, multiply your bed's square footage by the depth in inches, then divide by 324 to get cubic yards. As a rule of thumb, one cubic yard covers about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep.

Mulch coverage chart (per cubic yard)

DepthCoverage per cubic yard
1 inch~324 sq ft
2 inches~162 sq ft
3 inches~108 sq ft
4 inches~81 sq ft

How deep should mulch be?

For most landscape beds, aim for 2–3 inches of mulch. Keep it pulled a few inches back from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot. Too deep and you can suffocate roots; too shallow and weeds break through.

When to mulch in Ohio

Mid-to-late spring (April–May), once the soil has warmed, is ideal, with an optional light refresh in fall to keep beds looking sharp.

Skip the math — we'll deliver and spread it

We measure your beds, deliver the exact amount of bulk mulch or stone, and can install it for you across Warren County and the Dayton area. Call (937) 748-9431 or explore our landscape materials for a quote.