One of the most common questions we hear at Royal Mulch is "How much mulch do I need?" Order too little and you're making a second trip. Order too much and you're stuck with extra. Here's the definitive guide to calculating the right amount every time.
The Simple Mulch Formula
Length (feet) × Width (feet) × Depth (inches) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards. That's it. For example, a bed that's 20 feet long, 5 feet wide, at 3 inches deep: 20 × 5 × 3 ÷ 324 = 0.93 cubic yards (round up to 1 yard). For irregularly shaped beds, break them into rectangles, calculate each, and add them together. Our website's mulch calculator does this math for you instantly.
Recommended Depth by Application
2 inches: Light refresh over existing mulch. Good for mid-season top-ups. 3 inches: Standard depth for most garden beds. Best balance of weed suppression and root health. 4 inches: Maximum for new beds or winter insulation. Don't go deeper — over-mulching causes more problems than it solves. For pathways, 3-4 inches provides a comfortable walking surface.
Common Coverage Estimates
1 cubic yard covers approximately: 162 sq ft at 2" deep, 108 sq ft at 3" deep, or 81 sq ft at 4" deep. Most residential front yards need 3-5 cubic yards. A full landscape refresh (front and back) typically requires 6-10 cubic yards. For reference, a standard pickup truck bed holds about 2-3 cubic yards depending on the truck size.
Tips to Avoid Over- or Under-Ordering
Always round up to the nearest whole yard — it's better to have a small surplus than to run short. If you're refreshing existing mulch, you typically need about half the amount of a new application. Measure your beds when they're clean and edged for the most accurate estimate. When in doubt, call us at (740) 654-5555 and we'll help you estimate based on your bed sizes.
Conclusion
Getting the right amount of mulch is easier than you think. Use our formula, check your depth, and round up. For a 3-yard minimum delivery anywhere in our service area, or any amount for pickup at our Lancaster yard.
