🌱 Mulch & Topsoil Calculator

Calculate exact yardage to fill landscape beds correctly.

Total Volume Required

0.0

Cubic Yards (Bulk Delivery)

Or Buy: 2 Cubic Foot Bags: 0 Bags

* 3 inches is the standard recommended depth for garden mulch to suppress weeds while allowing moisture absorption.

📏 Landscape Volume Metrics

Bulk materials like mulch, topsoil, and gravel are sold by the Cubic Yard, which is a measurement of volume (3ft x 3ft x 3ft).

      Cubic Yards = (Area x (Depth / 12)) / 27
    

The 27 Constant: There are exactly 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. All bulk suppliers use this divisor for their loading buckets.
Standard Depth: For weed suppression and moisture retention, a 3-inch depth is the landscape industry standard. 4 inches is used for heavy-duty paths, and 2 inches is used for purely decorative "top-dressing."
Bagged vs. Bulk: Most mulch bags sold in big-box stores are 2 cubic feet. It takes exactly 13.5 bags to equal one cubic yard. If you need more than 3 cubic yards, it is significantly cheaper to order a bulk delivery.

💡 Expert Tip

Do not pile mulch directly against the trunks of trees (often called "volcano mulching"). This traps moisture against the bark and can cause trunk rot and attract wood-boring insects. Keep mulch at least 3 inches away from the base of the trunk.

💵 Bulk Mulch & Topsoil Pricing Guidelines (2026 Averages)

Understanding typical material and installation costs is key to planning a successful contracting project. Below are regional averages for cost planning.

Material Category	Bulk Cost / Cubic Yard	Coverage at 3" depth	Est. Delivery Fee
Double-Shredded Hardwood Mulch	$30 - $45	100 sq ft	$60 - $100
Premium Colored Cedar Mulch	$45 - $60	100 sq ft	$60 - $100
Standard Topsoil (Screened)	$20 - $35	100 sq ft	$70 - $120
Enriched Organic Compost Mix	$40 - $55	100 sq ft	$70 - $120

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a yard of bulk mulch cost delivered?

A cubic yard of bulk hardwood mulch costs $30 to $45. With local delivery fees averaging $60 to $100 per load, a single yard delivered averages $90 to $145. Ordering larger quantities (e.g. 5+ yards) amortizes the delivery fee.

Is bagged mulch cheaper than bulk mulch?

Bagged mulch is typically 30% to 50% more expensive than bulk mulch per volume. One cubic yard equals 13.5 standard 2-cubic-foot bags. If bulk mulch is $35/yd, the equivalent volume in bags costs about $50 to $70.