Mulch Calculator
Mulch Needed
1.85 cubic yards
25 bags (2 cu ft each) • 200 sq ft
Cubic Yards
1.85
Bags (2 cu ft)
25
Coverage
200 sq ft
Estimated Cost
$65 – $111
Tip: Bulk delivery is significantly cheaper than bags for 2+ cubic yards. Expect $50–$100 delivery fee. Mulch should be refreshed annually as it decomposes.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Mulch Cost Breakdown by Type
| Mulch Type | Cost per Cu Yd | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Chips | $30 – $50 | 1–2 years | Large areas, paths |
| Bark Mulch | $35 – $60 | 2–3 years | General landscaping |
| Cedar Mulch | $40 – $70 | 2–3 years | Garden beds, pest control |
| Dyed Mulch | $35 – $65 | 1–2 years | Color-consistent beds |
| Rubber Mulch | $80 – $120 | 10+ years | Playgrounds |
| Straw / Hay | $25 – $40 | 1 season | Veggie gardens, seeding |
How We Calculate
Our mulch calculator estimates the amount of mulch needed based on area, depth, and mulch type. Results are shown in cubic yards, number of 2 cu ft bags, and estimated cost.
How the math works: Cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (inches) ÷ 324. Bags (2 cu ft) = cubic yards × 13.5. Cost = cubic yards × price per cubic yard for the selected type.
Mulch Type Comparison
Wood Chips ($30–$50/cu yd): Most affordable. Good for large areas and paths. Decomposes in 1–2 years, enriching soil.
Bark Mulch ($35–$60/cu yd): The most popular landscape mulch. Natural look, moderate decomposition rate (2–3 years). Available in shredded or nugget form.
Cedar Mulch ($40–$70/cu yd): Natural insect-repelling properties. Pleasant aroma. Slower decomposition (2–3 years). Premium choice for garden beds near the home.
Dyed Mulch ($35–$65/cu yd): Color-enhanced (red, black, brown) for a consistent look. Color lasts 1–2 seasons. Made from recycled wood. Safe for plants when using water-based dyes.
Rubber Mulch ($80–$120/cu yd): Made from recycled tires. Does not decompose — lasts 10+ years. Ideal for playgrounds (ASTM F1292 compliant at 6" depth). Not suitable for garden beds.
Straw / Hay ($25–$40/cu yd): Best for vegetable gardens and new lawn seeding. Decomposes quickly (one season). Affordable and easy to apply. May contain weed seeds if not certified.
Data Sources
Pricing from landscape supply yards, home improvement retailers, and verified contractor estimates. Updated regularly with current market data.
Last updated: 2026-02-08
Frequently Asked Questions
How much mulch do I need? +
Calculate: area (sq ft) × depth (inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards. One cubic yard covers 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep. For bags: multiply cubic yards by 13.5 (bags of 2 cu ft). Example: 200 sq ft at 3 inches = 1.85 cu yd = 25 bags.
How much does mulch cost? +
Bulk mulch costs $30–$120 per cubic yard depending on type. Wood chips $30–$50, bark mulch $35–$60, cedar $40–$70, dyed mulch $35–$65, and rubber mulch $80–$120. Bagged mulch from stores costs $3–$7 per 2 cu ft bag, which works out to $40–$95 per cubic yard.
How deep should mulch be? +
2–3 inches is ideal for most garden beds and landscaping. 3 inches is recommended for weed suppression. 4–6 inches for playgrounds (rubber mulch needs 6 inches for fall protection). Never exceed 4 inches for organic mulch — too deep can cause moisture problems and root rot.
How many bags of mulch in a cubic yard? +
One cubic yard equals 13.5 bags of 2 cu ft mulch, or 27 bags of 1 cu ft mulch. Bulk delivery is significantly cheaper: $30–$70/cu yd bulk vs. $54–$95/cu yd in bags. For projects needing 2+ cubic yards, bulk delivery saves 30–50%.
When is the best time to mulch? +
Mid to late spring after the soil warms up. Mulching too early traps cold soil and delays plant growth. Fall mulching (after first frost) protects roots over winter. Refresh mulch annually as organic types decompose — typically 1–2 inches of top-up per year.
Should I remove old mulch before adding new? +
Not usually. Old organic mulch decomposes and enriches the soil. Just add fresh mulch on top to reach your target depth (2–3 inches total). Only remove old mulch if it's diseased, moldy, or has built up beyond 4 inches deep.
What type of mulch is best for gardens? +
Cedar mulch is best for insect-prone areas (natural repellent). Bark mulch is the most popular all-purpose choice. Wood chips are cheapest for large areas. Dyed mulch holds color longer. Rubber mulch is best for playgrounds. Straw is ideal for vegetable gardens.
Is bulk or bagged mulch a better value? +
Bulk is much cheaper for projects over 2 cubic yards. Bulk delivery costs $30–$70/cu yd plus a $50–$100 delivery fee. Bags cost $3–$7 each ($54–$95/cu yd equivalent). For small projects under 1 cu yd, bags are more convenient. Break-even is around 2 cu yd.
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