How Much Mulch for 500 Square Feet?
Covering 500 sq ft with mulch 3 inches deep takes 4.48 cubic yards — that's about 61 bags (2 cu ft each), or cheaper bought in bulk. Change the depth or area below for your beds.
Mulch needed
4.48 cu yd
Bed area
484 sq ft
Mulch needed
4.48 cubic yards121 cubic feet at 3" deep
2-cu-ft bags
61 bagsbagged mulch is sold in 2 cu ft bags
Bulk cost (est.)
$202~$45/CY delivered vs $244 bagged
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How this is calculated
Mulch volume = bed area × depth. We convert cubic feet to cubic yards for bulk delivery and to 2-cu-ft bags for the bagged option, so you can compare cost both ways.