Rubber Mulch Coverage Calculator
Enter the bed area and the depth you want, and this rubber mulch coverage calculator converts it into cubic yards and the number of 1.5-cubic-foot bags to buy — with a 6-inch playground-safe depth option built in.
Playgrounds need about 6 inches of depth for fall cushioning. A standard bag holds 1.5 cu ft.
Estimates only — not financial advice. This calculator gives approximate figures for planning. It is not financial, tax, or legal advice; check with a qualified professional before making decisions.
How the rubber mulch coverage calculator works
One cubic yard covers 324 square feet at one inch deep, so dividing area × depth (in inches) by 324 gives the cubic yards you need. Rubber mulch is usually sold in 1.5-cubic-foot bags, and a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet — so cubic yards × 27 ÷ 1.5 gives the bag count, rounded up since stores do not sell half bags.
Three inches is the standard for landscape beds (weed suppression without smothering roots). Playgrounds are different: about 6 inches of rubber mulch provides the impact cushioning that safety guidelines call for under swings and slides.
cu yd = (area × depth) / 324 · bags = ⌈cu yd × 18⌉
Related tools
Keep exploring: Mulch Calculator · Lawn Square Footage Calculator · Gravel Calculator.
Rubber mulch coverage calculator FAQ
How deep should rubber mulch be?
3 inches for landscape and flower beds — deep enough to block weeds but shallow enough that water and air reach the soil. Edges of beds can taper to 2 inches near plants.
How deep does playground rubber mulch need to be?
About 6 inches of uncompressed rubber mulch is the common guideline for cushioning falls from typical backyard play equipment. Measure the depth after it settles, and top up yearly.
How many bags of rubber mulch make a cubic yard?
Eighteen: a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet and the standard bag holds 1.5 cubic feet (27 ÷ 1.5 = 18). A 100 sq ft bed at 3 inches deep needs about 0.93 cu yd, or 17 bags.
Rubber mulch vs wood mulch?
Rubber does not decompose (no yearly top-ups), stays put in wind and rain, and cushions falls — but costs 3–5x more up front and holds heat in summer. Wood mulch feeds the soil but must be replaced every 1–2 years.
Does rubber mulch fade in the sun?
Eventually, yes — color lasts roughly 10 years before noticeable fading, far longer than wood mulch which grays in a season. Black and brown hold color best; bright colors fade faster.