How much rubber mulch do I need?
Rubber mulch covers playgrounds, borders, and pathways and does not rot or blow away.
Enter the length, width, and depth of your area above. The calculator shows cubic yards, cubic feet, an estimated weight in tons, and the number of 0.8 cubic foot bags if you buy bagged rubber mulch. Add a price per cubic yard and it also estimates the cost.
Cubic yard calculator for rubber mulch
This cubic yard calculator for rubber mulch works for any shape. Pick rectangle for most beds and slabs, circle for round areas, or trench for narrow runs. Open the price estimator under the calculator to add your supplier price, delivery fee, and tax. For a full cost breakdown, see the cubic yard price estimator.
Rubber Mulch weight and bags per cubic yard
A planning value for rubber mulch is 800 pounds per cubic yard, which is 0.40 US tons. Moisture, particle size, and compaction move that number, so treat it as a starting point.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Pounds per cubic yard | 800 |
| US tons per cubic yard | 0.40 |
| Kilograms per cubic yard | 363 |
| Cubic yards per US ton | 2.50 |
| Cubic feet per US ton | 67.50 |
| 0.8 cubic foot bags per cubic yard | 33.8 |
How far does a cubic yard of rubber mulch go?
Coverage depends only on depth. The deeper the layer, the less area a cubic yard covers. The suggested depth for rubber mulch is 2 to 6 inches, and 3 inches is a common choice.
| Depth (inches) | Square feet covered | Square yards covered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 324 | 36.0 |
| 2 | 162 | 18.0 |
| 3 | 108 | 12.0 |
| 4 | 81 | 9.0 |
| 6 | 54 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 40 | 4.5 |
| 12 | 27 | 3.0 |
Rubber Mulch needed for common areas at 3 inches deep
| Area | Square feet | Cubic yards | US tons | 0.8 cubic foot bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 by 5 ft | 25 | 0.23 | 0.09 | 8 |
| 8 by 10 ft | 80 | 0.74 | 0.30 | 25 |
| 10 by 10 ft | 100 | 0.93 | 0.37 | 32 |
| 10 by 20 ft | 200 | 1.85 | 0.74 | 63 |
| 12 by 12 ft | 144 | 1.33 | 0.53 | 45 |
| 15 by 20 ft | 300 | 2.78 | 1.11 | 94 |
| 20 by 20 ft | 400 | 3.70 | 1.48 | 125 |
| 20 by 30 ft | 600 | 5.56 | 2.22 | 188 |
| 30 by 40 ft | 1,200 | 11.11 | 4.44 | 375 |
| 50 by 50 ft | 2,500 | 23.15 | 9.26 | 782 |
Worked example: 20 by 10 feet at 3 inches
The area is 20 feet times 10 feet, or 200 square feet. A depth of 3 inches is 0.25 feet. Volume is 200 times 0.25, which is 50.00 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get 1.85 cubic yards. At 800 pounds per cubic yard that weighs about 0.74 US tons. With 10 percent extra, order 2.04 cubic yards.
Tips for ordering rubber mulch
- Playground depth depends on the equipment fall height, so follow the manufacturer and safety guidance.
- Bagged rubber mulch commonly comes in 0.8 cubic foot bags.
- Install it over fabric on a firm, level base.
Rubber mulch is not a soil improver, because it does not break down.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of rubber mulch do I need?
Multiply length, width, and depth in feet, then divide by 27. A 20 by 10 foot area at 3 inches deep needs about 1.85 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of rubber mulch weigh?
About 800 pounds, or 0.40 US tons, as a planning value. Ask your supplier for the exact figure.
How deep should rubber mulch be?
Most projects use 2 to 6 inches. 3 inches is a common choice.
How many square feet does a cubic yard of rubber mulch cover?
108 square feet at 3 inches deep, and 324 square feet at 1 inch.
How many bags of rubber mulch make a cubic yard?
About 34 bags of the 0.8 cubic foot size, which yields about 0.8 cubic feet each.