Mulch Calculator

Calculate mulch for landscaping and garden beds

Units

Mulch Needed

1.85 yd³

Bags (2 cf)

Cost

$140

Area

200 sq ft

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Mulch Depth (in)

Select Mulch Type

Recommended Mulch Depth

Fine Mulch / Annual Refresh

Shredded bark, compost top-dressing

Standard Application

Most flower beds and shrubs

Heavy Coverage

Weed suppression, pathways, wood chips

Cubic Feet

50.0

Bags (2 cf)

Bags (3 cf)

Total Cost

$140

Volume

Area Coverage200 sq ft

Cubic Yards1.85 yd³

Cubic Feet50.0 ft³

Bag Options

2 cu ft bags25

3 cu ft bags17

Bulk (cubic yards)1.85

1 bulk load (12 yd\u00B3 each)

Cost Breakdown

Mulch (Shredded Bark Mulch)$65

Delivery$75

Total$140

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate how much mulch I need?

Cubic yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (inches) ÷ 324. For bags: Multiply cubic yards × 13.5 for 2 cu ft bags. Example: 100 sq ft bed at 3" = 100 × 3 ÷ 324 = 0.93 cubic yards = 13 bags.

Formula: Sq ft × Depth (in) ÷ 324 = Cubic yards
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
1 cubic yard = ~13.5 bags (2 cu ft each)
1 cubic yard covers ~108 sq ft at 3" deep
Add 5-10% for uneven ground

Area (sq ft)	2" Deep	3" Deep	4" Deep
100	0.6 cu yd (8 bags)	0.9 cu yd (12 bags)	1.2 cu yd (16 bags)
250	1.5 cu yd (20 bags)	2.3 cu yd (31 bags)	3.1 cu yd (42 bags)
500	3.1 cu yd (42 bags)	4.6 cu yd (62 bags)	6.2 cu yd (84 bags)
1000	6.2 cu yd (84 bags)	9.3 cu yd (125 bags)	12.3 cu yd (167 bags)

How deep should mulch be?

2-3 inches is ideal for most applications. Too shallow: Won't suppress weeds. Too deep: Can suffocate roots and cause rot. Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from plant stems and tree trunks.

2": Fine shredded mulch, annual flowers
3": Standard depth, good weed suppression
4": Coarse mulch, paths, playground areas
Never pile mulch against trunks (causes rot)
Thin layer OK near perennials emerging in spring

Depth	Best For	Coverage per Cu Yd
2 inches	Fine mulch, shredded bark	162 sq ft
3 inches	Most gardens, wood chips	108 sq ft
4 inches	Coarse mulch, playgrounds	81 sq ft

Bulk mulch vs bags: Which is cheaper?

Bulk saves 40-60% for 2+ cubic yards. Bagged: $4-7 per 2 cu ft bag = $54-95/yard. Bulk: $25-50/yard + delivery ($50-100). Break-even: ~2 cubic yards. Bags are easier but more expensive.

*Prices vary by location and mulch type
Bulk delivery: Often minimum 2-3 yards
Bulk: Need wheelbarrow and labor to spread
Bags: Convenient, no delivery needed
For 2+ yards: Bulk is usually worth it

Amount Needed	Bagged Cost*	Bulk Cost*	Savings
1 cubic yard	$60-80 (14 bags)	$75-125 (with delivery)	Bags cheaper
2 cubic yards	$120-160	$100-150	About equal
5 cubic yards	$300-400	$175-300	Bulk saves $100+
10 cubic yards	$600-800	$300-500	Bulk saves $300+

What type of mulch should I use?

Hardwood bark: Best for landscaping, decomposes slowly. Cedar: Repels insects, aromatic. Cypress: Durable, resists decay. Rubber: Permanent, playgrounds. Pine straw: Acidic, good for azaleas. Avoid dyed mulch near edibles.

Organic mulch: Improves soil as it decomposes
Dyed mulch: May leach chemicals, avoid near food
Free mulch: Many cities offer free wood chips
Rubber: Doesn't attract termites, doesn't decompose

Mulch Type	Cost/Yard	Lifespan	Best For
Hardwood bark	$30-45	1-2 years	Landscape beds
Cedar	$40-60	2-3 years	Insect-prone areas
Pine straw	$4-6/bale	1 year	Acid-loving plants
Rubber mulch	$80-150	10+ years	Playgrounds
Rock/stone	$50-100	Permanent	Low-maintenance areas

When is the best time to apply mulch?

Spring (after soil warms) is ideal for vegetable gardens. Fall application protects roots for winter. Avoid applying over frozen ground. Refresh existing mulch in late spring after weed germination dies down.

Spring: After soil warms (perennials emerge)
Fall: Before first frost, protects roots
Avoid: Winter on frozen ground
Before mulching: Remove weeds, edge beds
Wet soil: Apply mulch after rain for best coverage

How many square feet does one bag of mulch cover?

Standard 2 cu ft bag covers: 12 sq ft at 2" deep, 8 sq ft at 3" deep, 6 sq ft at 4" deep. 3 cu ft bag covers 50% more. Calculate total area, divide by coverage for number of bags.

Standard bag: 2 cubic feet
Large bag: 3 cubic feet
Home Depot/Lowes: Usually 2 cu ft bags
Landscape supply: Often 3 cu ft bags
Always check bag volume before buying

Bag Size	2" Deep	3" Deep	4" Deep
2 cu ft bag	12 sq ft	8 sq ft	6 sq ft
3 cu ft bag	18 sq ft	12 sq ft	9 sq ft

How much mulch do I need for common bed sizes?

A 4×4 ft bed needs 0.15 cubic yards at 3" depth, a 4×8 ft bed needs 0.30 cubic yards, and an 8×8 ft bed needs 0.59 cubic yards. Depth is the biggest factor — doubling depth doubles the material needed.

4×4 bed at 3": ~4 bags (2 cu ft each)
4×8 bed at 3": ~8 bags (2 cu ft each)
8×8 bed at 3": ~16 bags (2 cu ft each)
Multiple beds: Add all areas together before calculating
For 2+ cubic yards, bulk delivery saves 40-60%

Bed Size	2" Depth	3" Depth	4" Depth
4×4 ft (16 sq ft)	0.10 cu yd	0.15 cu yd	0.20 cu yd
4×8 ft (32 sq ft)	0.20 cu yd	0.30 cu yd	0.40 cu yd
8×8 ft (64 sq ft)	0.40 cu yd	0.59 cu yd	0.79 cu yd
10×10 ft (100 sq ft)	0.62 cu yd	0.93 cu yd	1.23 cu yd
10×20 ft (200 sq ft)	1.23 cu yd	1.85 cu yd	2.47 cu yd

Example Calculations

1Garden Bed with Shredded Bark Mulch

Inputs

Length20 ft

Width10 ft

Depth3 inches

Mulch TypeShredded Bark ($35/yd)

DeliveryYes

Result

Mulch Needed1.85 cubic yards

Area200 sq ft

Cubic Feet50.0

2 cu ft Bags25

3 cu ft Bags17

Total Cost$140

Area = 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft. Cubic feet = 200 × (3/12) = 50. Cubic yards = 50 / 27 = 1.85. Mulch cost = 1.85 × $35 = $65. Delivery = $75. Total = $140.

2Large Landscape with Cedar Mulch

Inputs

Length30 ft

Width15 ft

Depth4 inches

Mulch TypeCedar Mulch ($55/yd)

DeliveryYes

Result

Mulch Needed5.56 cubic yards

Area450 sq ft

Cubic Feet150.0

2 cu ft Bags75

3 cu ft Bags50

Total Cost$406

Area = 30 × 15 = 450 sq ft. Cubic feet = 450 × (4/12) = 150. Cubic yards = 150 / 27 = 5.56. Mulch cost = 5.56 × $55 = $306. Delivery (>5 yd) = $100. Total = $406.

3Small Garden Bed with Hardwood Mulch

Inputs

Length10 ft

Width5 ft

Depth2 inches

Mulch TypeHardwood Mulch ($40/yd)

DeliveryNo

Result

Mulch Needed0.31 cubic yards

Area50 sq ft

Cubic Feet8.3

2 cu ft Bags5

3 cu ft Bags3

Total Cost$12

Area = 10 × 5 = 50 sq ft. Cubic feet = 50 × (2/12) = 8.33. Cubic yards = 8.33 / 27 = 0.31. Mulch cost = 0.31 × $40 = $12. No delivery. Total = $12. For small amounts, bags are more practical than bulk.

Formulas Used

Mulch Volume

Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth) / 324

Calculates the volume of mulch needed in cubic yards from area dimensions in feet and depth in inches.

Where:

Length= Bed length in feet

Width= Bed width in feet

Depth= Mulch depth in inches

Bags Needed

Bags (2 cu ft) = ceil(Cubic Feet / 2)

Calculates the number of standard 2 cubic foot bags needed.

Where:

Cubic Feet= Length × Width × (Depth / 12)

Mulch Cost

Total Cost = (Cubic Yards × Price per Yard) + Delivery Fee

Estimates total cost including mulch material and optional delivery.

Where:

Price per Yard= Cost per cubic yard for the selected mulch type

Delivery Fee= $75 for up to 5 yd³, $100 for up to 10 yd³, $150 for more

Guide to Calculating Mulch for Your Landscape

Mulch keeps gardens healthy by retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, regulating soil temperature, and adding organic matter as it decomposes. Calculating the right amount prevents waste and ensures adequate coverage.

Measure your garden beds carefully, accounting for irregular shapes by breaking them into rectangles and circles. Add 5-10% extra for uneven terrain and settling.

Choose mulch type based on your needs: bark mulch for aesthetics, wood chips for paths, rubber mulch for playgrounds, and stone for permanent installations. Organic mulches improve soil but need annual replenishment.

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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

UseCalcPro

Mulch Calculator

Calculate mulch for landscaping and garden beds

Units

Mulch Needed

1.85 yd³

Bags (2 cf)

Cost

$140

Area

200 sq ft

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Mulch Depth (in)

Select Mulch Type

Recommended Mulch Depth

Fine Mulch / Annual Refresh

Shredded bark, compost top-dressing

Standard Application

Most flower beds and shrubs

Heavy Coverage

Weed suppression, pathways, wood chips

Cubic Feet

50.0

Bags (2 cf)

Bags (3 cf)

Total Cost

$140

Volume

Area Coverage200 sq ft

Cubic Yards1.85 yd³

Cubic Feet50.0 ft³

Bag Options

2 cu ft bags25

3 cu ft bags17

Bulk (cubic yards)1.85

1 bulk load (12 yd\u00B3 each)

Cost Breakdown

Mulch (Shredded Bark Mulch)$65

Delivery$75

Total$140

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate how much mulch I need?

Cubic yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (inches) ÷ 324. For bags: Multiply cubic yards × 13.5 for 2 cu ft bags. Example: 100 sq ft bed at 3" = 100 × 3 ÷ 324 = 0.93 cubic yards = 13 bags.

Formula: Sq ft × Depth (in) ÷ 324 = Cubic yards
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
1 cubic yard = ~13.5 bags (2 cu ft each)
1 cubic yard covers ~108 sq ft at 3" deep
Add 5-10% for uneven ground

Area (sq ft)	2" Deep	3" Deep	4" Deep
100	0.6 cu yd (8 bags)	0.9 cu yd (12 bags)	1.2 cu yd (16 bags)
250	1.5 cu yd (20 bags)	2.3 cu yd (31 bags)	3.1 cu yd (42 bags)
500	3.1 cu yd (42 bags)	4.6 cu yd (62 bags)	6.2 cu yd (84 bags)
1000	6.2 cu yd (84 bags)	9.3 cu yd (125 bags)	12.3 cu yd (167 bags)

How deep should mulch be?

2-3 inches is ideal for most applications. Too shallow: Won't suppress weeds. Too deep: Can suffocate roots and cause rot. Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from plant stems and tree trunks.

2": Fine shredded mulch, annual flowers
3": Standard depth, good weed suppression
4": Coarse mulch, paths, playground areas
Never pile mulch against trunks (causes rot)
Thin layer OK near perennials emerging in spring

Depth	Best For	Coverage per Cu Yd
2 inches	Fine mulch, shredded bark	162 sq ft
3 inches	Most gardens, wood chips	108 sq ft
4 inches	Coarse mulch, playgrounds	81 sq ft

Bulk mulch vs bags: Which is cheaper?

Bulk saves 40-60% for 2+ cubic yards. Bagged: $4-7 per 2 cu ft bag = $54-95/yard. Bulk: $25-50/yard + delivery ($50-100). Break-even: ~2 cubic yards. Bags are easier but more expensive.

*Prices vary by location and mulch type
Bulk delivery: Often minimum 2-3 yards
Bulk: Need wheelbarrow and labor to spread
Bags: Convenient, no delivery needed
For 2+ yards: Bulk is usually worth it

Amount Needed	Bagged Cost*	Bulk Cost*	Savings
1 cubic yard	$60-80 (14 bags)	$75-125 (with delivery)	Bags cheaper
2 cubic yards	$120-160	$100-150	About equal
5 cubic yards	$300-400	$175-300	Bulk saves $100+
10 cubic yards	$600-800	$300-500	Bulk saves $300+

What type of mulch should I use?

Organic mulch: Improves soil as it decomposes
Dyed mulch: May leach chemicals, avoid near food
Free mulch: Many cities offer free wood chips
Rubber: Doesn't attract termites, doesn't decompose

Mulch Type	Cost/Yard	Lifespan	Best For
Hardwood bark	$30-45	1-2 years	Landscape beds
Cedar	$40-60	2-3 years	Insect-prone areas
Pine straw	$4-6/bale	1 year	Acid-loving plants
Rubber mulch	$80-150	10+ years	Playgrounds
Rock/stone	$50-100	Permanent	Low-maintenance areas

When is the best time to apply mulch?

Spring: After soil warms (perennials emerge)
Fall: Before first frost, protects roots
Avoid: Winter on frozen ground
Before mulching: Remove weeds, edge beds
Wet soil: Apply mulch after rain for best coverage

How many square feet does one bag of mulch cover?

Standard 2 cu ft bag covers: 12 sq ft at 2" deep, 8 sq ft at 3" deep, 6 sq ft at 4" deep. 3 cu ft bag covers 50% more. Calculate total area, divide by coverage for number of bags.

Standard bag: 2 cubic feet
Large bag: 3 cubic feet
Home Depot/Lowes: Usually 2 cu ft bags
Landscape supply: Often 3 cu ft bags
Always check bag volume before buying

Bag Size	2" Deep	3" Deep	4" Deep
2 cu ft bag	12 sq ft	8 sq ft	6 sq ft
3 cu ft bag	18 sq ft	12 sq ft	9 sq ft

How much mulch do I need for common bed sizes?

4×4 bed at 3": ~4 bags (2 cu ft each)
4×8 bed at 3": ~8 bags (2 cu ft each)
8×8 bed at 3": ~16 bags (2 cu ft each)
Multiple beds: Add all areas together before calculating
For 2+ cubic yards, bulk delivery saves 40-60%

Bed Size	2" Depth	3" Depth	4" Depth
4×4 ft (16 sq ft)	0.10 cu yd	0.15 cu yd	0.20 cu yd
4×8 ft (32 sq ft)	0.20 cu yd	0.30 cu yd	0.40 cu yd
8×8 ft (64 sq ft)	0.40 cu yd	0.59 cu yd	0.79 cu yd
10×10 ft (100 sq ft)	0.62 cu yd	0.93 cu yd	1.23 cu yd
10×20 ft (200 sq ft)	1.23 cu yd	1.85 cu yd	2.47 cu yd

Example Calculations

1Garden Bed with Shredded Bark Mulch

Inputs

Length20 ft

Width10 ft

Depth3 inches

Mulch TypeShredded Bark ($35/yd)

DeliveryYes

Result

Mulch Needed1.85 cubic yards

Area200 sq ft

Cubic Feet50.0

2 cu ft Bags25

3 cu ft Bags17

Total Cost$140

Area = 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft. Cubic feet = 200 × (3/12) = 50. Cubic yards = 50 / 27 = 1.85. Mulch cost = 1.85 × $35 = $65. Delivery = $75. Total = $140.

2Large Landscape with Cedar Mulch

Inputs

Length30 ft

Width15 ft

Depth4 inches

Mulch TypeCedar Mulch ($55/yd)

DeliveryYes

Result

Mulch Needed5.56 cubic yards

Area450 sq ft

Cubic Feet150.0

2 cu ft Bags75

3 cu ft Bags50

Total Cost$406

Area = 30 × 15 = 450 sq ft. Cubic feet = 450 × (4/12) = 150. Cubic yards = 150 / 27 = 5.56. Mulch cost = 5.56 × $55 = $306. Delivery (>5 yd) = $100. Total = $406.

3Small Garden Bed with Hardwood Mulch

Inputs

Length10 ft

Width5 ft

Depth2 inches

Mulch TypeHardwood Mulch ($40/yd)

DeliveryNo

Result

Mulch Needed0.31 cubic yards

Area50 sq ft

Cubic Feet8.3

2 cu ft Bags5

3 cu ft Bags3

Total Cost$12

Formulas Used

Mulch Volume

Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth) / 324

Calculates the volume of mulch needed in cubic yards from area dimensions in feet and depth in inches.

Where:

Length= Bed length in feet

Width= Bed width in feet

Depth= Mulch depth in inches

Bags Needed

Bags (2 cu ft) = ceil(Cubic Feet / 2)

Calculates the number of standard 2 cubic foot bags needed.

Where:

Cubic Feet= Length × Width × (Depth / 12)

Mulch Cost

Total Cost = (Cubic Yards × Price per Yard) + Delivery Fee

Estimates total cost including mulch material and optional delivery.

Where:

Price per Yard= Cost per cubic yard for the selected mulch type

Delivery Fee= $75 for up to 5 yd³, $100 for up to 10 yd³, $150 for more

Guide to Calculating Mulch for Your Landscape

Measure your garden beds carefully, accounting for irregular shapes by breaking them into rectangles and circles. Add 5-10% extra for uneven terrain and settling.

Related Resources

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Concrete Calculator

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Fence Calculator

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View All

Last Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Mulch Calculator

Area Dimensions

Mulch Type

Delivery Options

Recommended Mulch Depth

Volume

Bag Options

Cost Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate how much mulch I need?

How deep should mulch be?

Bulk mulch vs bags: Which is cheaper?

What type of mulch should I use?

When is the best time to apply mulch?

How many square feet does one bag of mulch cover?

How much mulch do I need for common bed sizes?

Example Calculations

1Garden Bed with Shredded Bark Mulch

2Large Landscape with Cedar Mulch

3Small Garden Bed with Hardwood Mulch

Formulas Used

Mulch Volume

Bags Needed

Mulch Cost

Guide to Calculating Mulch for Your Landscape

Related Resources

Related Calculators

Gravel Calculator

Concrete Calculator

Square Footage

Fence Calculator

More Construction Calculators

Mulch Calculator

Area Dimensions

Mulch Type

Delivery Options

Recommended Mulch Depth

Volume

Bag Options

Cost Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate how much mulch I need?

How deep should mulch be?

Bulk mulch vs bags: Which is cheaper?

What type of mulch should I use?

When is the best time to apply mulch?

How many square feet does one bag of mulch cover?

How much mulch do I need for common bed sizes?

Example Calculations

1Garden Bed with Shredded Bark Mulch

2Large Landscape with Cedar Mulch

3Small Garden Bed with Hardwood Mulch

Formulas Used

Mulch Volume

Bags Needed

Mulch Cost

Guide to Calculating Mulch for Your Landscape

Related Resources

Related Calculators

Gravel Calculator

Concrete Calculator

Square Footage

Fence Calculator

More Construction Calculators