Mulch Calculator

Calculate mulch needed in cubic yards and bags. Compare bulk delivery vs bagged costs. Choose from 8 mulch types with pricing and lifespan data.

Area Shape

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Area: 200.0 sq ft

Mulch Depth (inches)

1"3" typical6"

Mulch Type

Hardwood Bark for 200.0 sq ft at 3" deep

Cubic Yards

1.85

for bulk delivery

Cubic Feet

50.0

total volume

Bags (2 cu ft)

standard bags

Hardwood Bark

Lifespan: 1-2 years

Decomposes and enriches soil

Cost Comparison: Bulk vs Bags

Bulk Delivery

$106 - $133

Material: $56 - $83

Delivery: ~$50

Best for 3+ cubic yards

Bagged (2 cu ft)

$88 - $125

25 bags needed

$3.50 - $5.00 per bag

Best for small areas or DIY transport

Coverage at Different Depths (200.0 sq ft)

Depth	Cubic Yards	Bags (2 cu ft)	Recommendation
2"	1.23	17	Refreshing existing mulch
3" (selected)	1.85	25	Standard new installation
4"	2.47	34	Heavy weed suppression

Mulch Type Comparison

Type	$/yard	$/bag	Lifespan	Notes
Hardwood Bark	$30-$45	$3.5-$5	1-2 years	Decomposes and enriches soil
Cedar Mulch	$35-$55	$4-$6	2-3 years	Natural pest deterrent
Pine Bark	$25-$40	$3-$5	1-2 years	Lowers soil pH slightly
Dyed (Black/Red)	$30-$50	$4-$6	1-2 years	Color fades over time, dye may leach
Rubber Mulch	$80-$120	$7-$10	10+ years	Does not decompose or nourish soil
River Stone	$100-$200	$5-$8	Permanent	Requires landscape fabric underneath
Pea Gravel	$40-$80	$4-$6	Permanent	Can scatter, use edging
Straw / Hay	$15-$25	$5-$10	3-6 months	Great for seasonal vegetable beds

Prices are estimates and vary by region. Bulk delivery typically requires a 2-3 cubic yard minimum order.

How to Use Mulch Calculator

1Enter garden bed dimensions
2Set desired mulch depth
3Select mulch type
4Compare bulk vs bag costs

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should mulch be?▾

2-3 inches for flower beds, 3-4 inches for weed suppression, 4-6 inches for playgrounds. Don't pile mulch against tree trunks or plant stems.

How much area does a yard of mulch cover?▾

One cubic yard covers: 162 sqft at 2 inches deep, 108 sqft at 3 inches deep, or 81 sqft at 4 inches deep.

Which mulch lasts longest?▾

Rubber mulch lasts 10+ years. Stone/gravel lasts indefinitely. Cedar lasts 3-5 years. Hardwood bark lasts 2-3 years. Straw decomposes in one season.

About Mulch Calculator

Calculate mulch needed in cubic yards and bags. Compare bulk delivery vs bagged costs. Choose from 8 mulch types with pricing and lifespan data.

NexTool's Mulch Calculator is completely free to use with no sign-up required. Your data is processed directly in your browser and never sent to our servers, ensuring complete privacy and instant results.