Mulch Calculator
Calculate how much mulch, gravel, topsoil, or compost you need. Get cubic yards, bags, and estimated material cost instantly.
Material & Area
Area
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sq ft
Volume Needed
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cubic yards
Bags Needed
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2 cu ft bags
Low Estimate
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material only
Mid Estimate
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material only
High Estimate
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material only
Delivery Estimate
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typical local delivery fee
Estimated Total Cost (with delivery)
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Mid-range material + delivery estimate
Quick Reference
- 1 cubic yard covers roughly 162 sq ft at 2" deep, 108 sq ft at 3", 81 sq ft at 4"
- Most landscape beds need 2-3 inches of mulch; play areas need 4-6 inches
- A standard bag of mulch is 2 cubic feet; 13.5 bags = 1 cubic yard
- Add 5-10% extra for irregular shapes and settling
- Delivery is typically $50-$100 for local drop-off (within 10-20 miles)
Mulch Types: Which Material Should You Use?
Hardwood Mulch
The most popular all-purpose mulch. Made from shredded hardwood trees like oak, maple, and hickory. Great for flower beds and around trees. Breaks down over 1-2 years, enriching soil. Affordable and widely available.
Best for: Garden beds, tree rings, general landscaping
Cedar Mulch
Natural insect-repelling properties make cedar a premium choice. Lasts longer than hardwood (2-3 years) and has a pleasant aroma. Light color brightens landscape beds. Slightly more expensive but requires less frequent replacement.
Best for: Areas prone to insects, perennial beds, premium landscaping
Rubber Mulch
Made from recycled tires. Extremely long-lasting (10+ years) and does not decompose. Excellent for playgrounds due to impact absorption. Does not attract insects. Higher upfront cost but virtually no replacement needed.
Best for: Playgrounds, high-traffic areas, low-maintenance landscaping
Pine Bark
Available as nuggets or shredded. Pine bark is lightweight and tends to float in heavy rain, so best used on flat areas. Naturally acidic, which benefits acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. Lasts 1-2 years.
Best for: Acid-loving plants, flat garden beds, decorative use
Dyed Mulch
Hardwood mulch dyed red, black, or brown for a bold, uniform color. The dye is typically non-toxic and safe for plants. Color fades over 6-12 months. Often made from recycled wood pallets. Slightly cheaper than natural alternatives.
Best for: Curb appeal, commercial landscaping, uniform color preference
Gravel & River Rock
Permanent, inorganic ground cover. Gravel works well for drainage areas, pathways, and driveways. River rock adds a natural, polished look. Pea gravel is smoother and smaller, ideal for walkways and patios. No decomposition means no soil enrichment, but also no replacement.
Best for: Drainage, xeriscaping, pathways, driveways, dry creek beds
Topsoil & Compost
Topsoil is used to fill, level, or build up planting areas. Compost is nutrient-rich decomposed organic matter that improves soil structure, drainage, and fertility. Often mixed together or tilled into existing soil rather than used as a surface cover.
Best for: New garden beds, lawn repair, soil amendment, raised beds
How Deep Should You Mulch?
| Depth | Use Case | Coverage per Yard |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2" | Light refresh on existing mulch, annual top-up | 162-324 sq ft |
| 2-3" | Standard for flower beds, tree rings, and shrubs | 108-162 sq ft |
| 3-4" | Weed suppression, moisture retention in dry climates | 81-108 sq ft |
| 4-6" | Playgrounds (safety), pathways, heavy weed areas | 54-81 sq ft |
Avoid mulching deeper than 4 inches around plant stems and tree trunks. Piling mulch against trunks ("volcano mulching") can cause rot and disease. Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from the base of plants.
Buying & Delivery Tips
- Bulk vs. bags: Buying by the cubic yard (bulk) is significantly cheaper than bagged mulch once you need more than 3-4 cubic yards. Bulk is typically 40-60% cheaper per cubic yard.
- Delivery minimums: Most landscape supply yards require a minimum order of 2-3 cubic yards for delivery. Smaller amounts can be picked up in a truck bed (1 cubic yard fits in a standard pickup).
- Delivery cost: Expect $50-$100 for local delivery within 10-20 miles. Some suppliers offer free delivery for larger orders (5+ cubic yards).
- When to mulch: The best time to apply mulch is mid-to-late spring after the soil has warmed. A fall application helps insulate roots for winter.
- Preparation: Remove old mulch if it is more than 4 inches deep or matted. Edge beds before mulching for a clean look. Lay landscape fabric under gravel or rock but not under organic mulch.