How Many Bags of Mulch Are in a Cubic Yard?
A cubic yard of mulch is 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft, 9 bags of 3 cu ft, or 18 bags of 1.5 cu ft.
When a garden center or landscape supplier quotes mulch “by the yard,” they mean a cubic yard, a unit of volume. It has nothing to do with the size of your lawn or garden. To figure out how much mulch your beds need, see Work Out Your Own Beds below.
The Math
A cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet. Bagged mulch is labeled in cubic feet, so divide 27 by the bag size:
| Bag size | Bags per cubic yard | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 cu ft | 18 | 18 |
| 2 cu ft | 13.5 | 14 |
| 3 cu ft | 9 | 9 |
How Far Does One Bag Go?
Coverage depends on depth. A 2 cu ft bag spread 1 in deep covers 24 sq ft; at the usual 2–4 in for beds it covers 12, 8, or 6 sq ft.
| Depth | 1.5 cu ft bag | 2 cu ft bag | 3 cu ft bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 9 sq ft | 12 sq ft | 18 sq ft |
| 3 in | 6 sq ft | 8 sq ft | 12 sq ft |
| 4 in | 4.5 sq ft | 6 sq ft | 9 sq ft |
The table uses this formula: square feet covered = bag size in cubic feet × 12 ÷ depth in inches.
What a Cubic Yard Costs in Bags
Bags typically cost $2–$8 each (HomeGuide). At 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft per yard, that’s about $27–$108 a cubic yard, compared with roughly $25–$100 a yard for bulk wood mulch before delivery. Whether bags or bulk wins depends on how much you need; see bagged vs bulk mulch for the break-even math.
Work Out Your Own Beds
Measure each bed, decide on a depth (most beds need 2–4 in), and the mulch calculator gives you yards and bags for any bag size, plus the bags-vs-bulk comparison at your prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Yard of Mulch the Same as a Cubic Yard?
Yes. When a landscape supplier or garden center sells a “yard” of mulch, they mean a cubic yard, which is 27 cubic feet.How Many 2 cu ft Bags Do I Need for 2 Yards of Mulch?
Two cubic yards is 54 cubic feet, so you need 27 bags of 2 cu ft.How Many Bags of Mulch Fit in a Pickup Truck?
It depends on the bed size and the truck’s payload rating. Bags vary in weight with moisture, so check the bag weight and the payload sticker on the driver’s door jamb before loading up.Sources
- Mulch prices (HomeGuide, updated Apr 2025)
- Proper mulching techniques (University of Illinois Extension)
Prices are national ballparks checked October 2026. Local prices vary.