Quick conversions for one cubic yard

  • 1 ft³ bags: 27 bags
  • 1.5 ft³ bags: 18 bags
  • 2 ft³ bags: 13.5 bags by volume, so buy 14 whole bags
  • 3 ft³ bags: 9 bags

Use your project volume, not only one yard

The conversion above answers how many bags contain the same nominal volume as one cubic yard. Your project may need more or less. Calculate the cubic feet required for your actual area and depth, include any allowance you choose, divide by the bag size, and round up once at the end.

Whole bags = round up (project cubic feet ÷ cubic feet per bag)

Example: a project that needs 1.06 cubic yards

Multiply 1.06 by 27 to get about 28.62 ft³. With 2 ft³ bags, 28.62 ÷ 2 = 14.31, so the purchase quantity is 15 bags. Rounding one cubic yard to 14 bags and then scaling that rounded number would give a less accurate answer.

Check the package before buying

Bag sizes vary by product and store. Use the volume on the actual label rather than assuming every bag contains 2 ft³. A coverage claim on a label may also assume a specific depth, so compare volumes on the same basis.

The mulch calculator accepts the bag size from your product label and rounds the final project quantity to whole bags. If you are comparing delivery, see the bags versus bulk guide.