Mulch calculator — bags & bulk cost
Estimate mulch volume from bed dimensions and added depth. Compare whole bags with bulk cubic yards, including delivery and a separate extra allowance.
How to use this tool
Replace the example values with your own, then choose Calculate mulch. Changing an input clears the previous result until you calculate again. Copy the result or download a CSV to keep a record.
Method
Volume in cubic feet = length (ft) × width (ft) × added depth (in) ÷ 12. Add the extra allowance, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Bag count rounds volume ÷ bag size up to a whole bag. Bag cost uses that whole count; bulk cost uses fractional yards plus delivery.
Worked example
A 12 × 10 ft bed with 3 inches of added mulch needs 30 cu ft, or about 1.1111 cubic yards. That is 15 two-cubic-foot bags. At $4/bag the total is $60; bulk at $45/yard plus $50 delivery is $100.
Assumptions and limits
Measure the actual area to cover; this tool models one rectangle. Enter only the new depth being added. Existing mulch is not subtracted automatically. Bulk supplier minimums, delivery increments, tax, settling and uneven ground are excluded. Ask the supplier for an actual quote and choose an appropriate depth for the plants.
Reference: Volume calculation reference.