Mulch Calculator

Find out how much mulch to buy in cubic yards or bags, with a typical bulk price for your state.

2–3 in for most beds; 4 in for weed suppression on new beds.

Mulch needed

1.85 yd³

  • Bags25 2 ft³ bags
  • Cubic feet50 ft³
  • Bulk mulch cost$46–$185

Estimates only. Round up when you order, and confirm structural details with your local building code.

How to use it

  1. Enter the bed size.
  2. Set the depth: 2–3 in for most beds.
  3. Pick the bag size and your state.

The formula

Cubic yards = area × depth ÷ 27

Bags = cubic feet ÷ bag size (13.5 two-cubic-foot bags per yard)

Worked example

Bed Length20 ft
Bed Width10 ft
Mulch depth3 in
Bag size2 ft³
State (for price)U.S. average

Result

Mulch needed1.85 yd³
Bags25 2 ft³ bags
Cubic feet50 ft³
Bulk mulch cost$46–$185

Tips before you order

  • Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and house siding.
  • Refreshing an existing bed usually needs only 1 in on top.

Questions

How many bags of mulch in a yard?

13.5 bags of 2 ft³ or 9 bags of 3 ft³.

How much does mulch cost?

Bulk mulch typically runs $25–$100 per cubic yard and bags $2–$8 each (HomeGuide, April 2025).