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Rubber Mulch Calculator

Rubber mulch is popular under play sets and in low-maintenance beds. Enter your area and depth for coverage.

Common sizes
Shape
Units

Area: 100 sq ft

1.0cubic yards

≈ 14 bags2 cu ft each

Bulk is usually sold in ½-yard increments with a ~1-yard delivery minimum — round up when you order.

Show the math
  1. Area100 sq ft
  2. Volume100 sq ft × 3 in ÷ 1225.0 cu ft
  3. Cubic yards25.0 cu ft ÷ 270.9 cu yd
  4. + 10% waste0.9 × 1.101.0 cu ydthe amount to buy in bulk, before rounding to bags
  5. Bags27.5 cu ft ÷ 2 cu ft/bag14 bagsrounded up to whole bags

Est. cost $31–$51typical bulk price · adjust for your supplier

Bags or bulk for this job?

Bulk delivered$150–$1902.0 cu yd (2-yd min) + ~$90 delivery
Bags$42–$8414 × 2 cu ft · haul ~1 pickup load

For this size, bags usually wins.

≈ 9 wheelbarrow loads to spread · delivery fee varies by distance — confirm at checkout.

  • Low-fi estimate. Confirm coverage and bag sizes with your supplier.
  • Includes a 10% overage allowance.
  • Bag count assumes 2 cu ft bags. Bulk delivery is sold by the cubic yard.

Doing more than one bed or material?

Total the whole yard →See it designed
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How to measure for mulch

  1. Measure the length and width of your area in feet.
  2. Multiply them for square feet (or just enter length and width above).
  3. Choose a depth — we default to 3 inches for mulch.
  4. Read your total in cubic yards, or the number of bags.

Rubber Mulch coverage at a glance (3" deep)

Area (sq ft)Cubic yardsBags
1001.014
2002.028
3003.142
5005.169
1,00010.2138

Includes a 10% overage allowance. Estimates are low-fi — confirm with your supplier.

Frequently asked questions

How deep should rubber mulch be for a playground?

Safety guidance commonly calls for 3–6 inches under play equipment depending on fall height. Use the deeper end for taller equipment.

Does rubber mulch cover differently than wood?

Coverage by volume is the same — a cubic yard fills 27 cubic feet either way. Rubber is heavier and longer-lasting but costs more up front.

Other calculators

Rubber Mulch Calculator — Coverage for Playgrounds & Beds | GoGarden