How much mulch for a 12 ft × 16 ft?

A 12 ft × 16 ft mulch project is pre-filled below. Adjust any value to match your exact job.

Quick answerA 12 ft × 16 ft mulch project needs 1.78 cubic yards (bulk) — buy 1.87 to cover waste — about $56.1–$93.5 in materials (US national average, 2026).
Your project
Standard size shown by default. Change any value — the answer recomputes instantly.
You need
1.87cubic yards (bulk)
Exact need: 1.78 cubic yards (bulk) · plus 5% waste allowance
Material cost
$56.1–$93.5
Installed (US avg)
$179–$259
Shopping list
Items to buy with quantity and price range
ITEMQTYPRICE RANGE
cubic yards (bulk)1.87$56.1–$93.5
Estimated material total$56.1–$93.5
Alternative buy formats
  • 26 × 2 cu ft bags — $78–$130

12 ft × 16 ft at different depths

12 ft × 16 ft footprint of mulch
DepthYou needBuy (with waste)Material cost
1″0.59 cubic yards (bulk)0.62 cubic yards (bulk)$18.6 – $31
2″1.19 cubic yards (bulk)1.24 cubic yards (bulk)$37.2 – $62
3″1.78 cubic yards (bulk)1.87 cubic yards (bulk)$56.1 – $93.5
4″2.37 cubic yards (bulk)2.49 cubic yards (bulk)$74.7 – $124.5
6″3.56 cubic yards (bulk)3.73 cubic yards (bulk)$111.9 – $186.5