Mulch Calculator for Pathways
Estimate mulch for garden paths and walkways.
Bark or wood-chip pathways are usually laid about 3 inches deep over a weed barrier for a soft, natural walking surface. Enter the path length and width below; for long narrow paths the Rectangle shape works well.
Mulch Calculator
Estimate how much you need — and the cost.
- cubic feet 25
- cubic meters 0.708
- tons (US) 0.37
- tonnes 0.34
Tip: Lay landscape fabric under a mulch path to slow weeds and keep the chips from sinking into the soil.
How it's calculated
1 cubic yard covers about 324 sq ft at 1 in deep / about 108 sq ft at 3 in deep; one 2 cu ft bag covers about 12 sq ft at 2 in deep.
See the full Mulch Calculator for the complete how-to, unit conversions, and data sources.
Mulch Calculator for Pathways FAQ
How deep should a mulch pathway be?
About 3 inches over landscape fabric gives a firm, comfortable path. Top it up by an inch each year as it settles.
How much mulch for a path?
Multiply length × width for the area, then use a 3-inch depth. A 3 ft × 30 ft path (90 sq ft) needs about 0.8 cubic yards.