Calculators / Mulch
Mulch Calculator
To calculate mulch, enter the bed length, width, and depth; this tool returns the volume in cubic yards, the number of 2 cu ft bags, and a cost estimate. One cubic yard covers 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep.
Real math, not AI guesses.
You need
1.85 cubic yards
Estimated cost
~$74
- Volume
- 50 cu ft
- Cubic yards
- 1.85
- 2 cu ft bags
- 25
Estimate only — actual quantities and prices vary by region and supplier. Verify with a professional before purchasing. Default price is a national average (as of 2026-06); edit it to match your supplier.
How to calculate mulch
The formula: cubic yards = (length × width × depth⁄12) ÷ 27
- Measure the bed length and width in feet and the depth in inches.
- Multiply length × width × (depth ÷ 12) for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
- For bags, divide cubic feet by 2 (a standard bag) and round up.
- 2–3 inches is typical for established beds; 3–4 inches to suppress weeds.
Prices shown are national averages (as of 2026-06) and vary by region, brand, and supplier. They are estimates, not quotes.
How much does mulch cost?
Bulk mulch costs roughly $30–$60 per cubic yard for common hardwood or dyed mulch before delivery; bagged mulch runs about $3–$6 per 2 cu ft bag. Bulk is much cheaper per yard once you need more than a few bags. For a 20×10 bed at 3 inches deep (about 1.85 cubic yards), that is roughly $55–$110 in bulk mulch, or around 25 bags.
What drives the cost
- Type: dyed and hardwood mulch are mid-priced; cedar, cypress, and rubber mulch cost more.
- Bulk vs bags: bulk is much cheaper per cubic yard past about 10–12 bags.
- Delivery is a flat per-trip fee, so it is a bigger share on small orders.
- Spreading labor if you hire it — most of an installed mulch job is labor.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Mulch is the classic DIY landscape job — order bulk delivery and spread it with a wheelbarrow and rake over a weekend. Hiring a crew mostly buys the labor, which is most of the installed price. For a large property or a yearly refresh, a landscaper's blower-truck install can be worth it, but for one or two beds DIY saves the most.
Installed and labor figures are national-average ranges, not quotes — get a few local estimates for your project.
Mulch FAQ
How much mulch do I need?+
A 20 ft × 10 ft bed at 3 inches deep is about 1.85 cubic yards, or roughly 25 bags of 2 cu ft mulch.
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?+
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it equals about 14 bags of 2 cu ft mulch.
How much does it cost to mulch a garden bed?+
A 20×10 bed at 3 inches deep needs about 1.85 cubic yards. In bulk at $30–$60 per yard that is roughly $55–$110 in mulch; installed by a pro it is often $150–$300 with labor.
Is bagged or bulk mulch cheaper?+
Bulk is cheaper per cubic yard once you need more than about 10–12 bags. Bags only win for small touch-ups where delivery is not worth it.