When planning a landscaping project, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: how many bags of mulch do I need? specifically when trying to convert from cubic yards.
The short answer depends on the size of the bag you are buying. Most standard wood mulch bags sold at big-box stores are 2 cubic feet. However, rubber mulch often comes in smaller 0.8 cubic foot bags.
The Math Behind the Bags
One cubic yard is equal to 27 cubic feet. Therefore, to find the number of bags, you simply divide 27 by the cubic footage of one bag.
- Standard 2 cu ft Bag: 27 / 2 = 13.5 Bags per Yard.
- Standard 3 cu ft Bag: 27 / 3 = 9 Bags per Yard.
- Rubber Mulch (0.8 cu ft): 27 / 0.8 = 33.75 Bags per Yard.
Use our calculator above to get the exact numbers for your specific area dimensions.
Why Buy in Bulk vs Bags?
If you need more than 2 cubic yards, it is often cheaper to buy in bulk from a local landscape supply yard. However, for smaller projects, bags are more convenient and easier to transport in a standard car.