How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
13.5bags
2 cu ft bags in one cubic yard
A cubic yard of mulch is 13.5 bags of the standard 2 cubic foot size. A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so divide 27 by the bag size printed on the bag.
bags = 27 ÷ bag size in cubic feet
- 2 cu ft bags: 13.5 per cubic yard
- 3 cu ft bags: 9 per cubic yard
- 1.5 cu ft bags: 18 per cubic yard
- One cubic yard covers 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep
- A cubic yard of bark mulch weighs about 600 lb dry
Bags per cubic yard, and what a yard covers
| Bag size | Bags per cubic yard | Coverage of 1 yd³ at 3 in |
|---|---|---|
| 2 cu ft | 13.5 | 108 sq ft |
| 3 cu ft | 9 | 108 sq ft |
| 1.5 cu ft | 18 | 108 sq ft |
| 0.5 cu ft | 54 | 108 sq ft |
Mulch calculator
Beds and tree rings — in cubic yards, bags and cost.
When bulk beats bags
Past about two cubic yards — 27 bags — bulk delivery normally costs less per yard even after the delivery fee, and it saves lifting and disposing of 27 plastic bags.
How far a yard goes
One cubic yard covers 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches, or 81 square feet at 4 inches. The common "100 square feet per yard" rule quietly assumes settling.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of mulch in a yard?
13.5 bags at 2 cubic feet, 9 bags at 3 cubic feet, or 18 bags at 1.5 cubic feet.
How much area does a yard of mulch cover?
108 square feet at 3 inches deep, 162 at 2 inches, 81 at 4 inches.
How much does a yard of mulch weigh?
About 600 lb dry. After heavy rain the same yard can weigh close to double.
How many bags of mulch are on a pallet?
Usually 60 to 70 bags of 2 cubic feet, which is roughly 4.5 to 5 cubic yards, though it varies by supplier.