Mulch Cost Calculator
Use the mulch cost calculator below to get an instant material and installed price range for your project. To calculate mulch, multiply the bed length by width to get the area, then by depth in feet, and divide by 27 for cubic yards. A 20×4 ft bed at 3 inches deep needs about 0.74 cubic yards (roughly 10 bags), costing about $22–$37 in bulk mulch.
Your measurements
2–3 in is typical for beds; 1 in for refresh.
Enter your measurements
Fill in the fields to see your estimate.
Mulch coverage by depth
Area that one cubic yard of mulch covers at different depths.
| Depth | Coverage per yd³ | Bags (2 ft³) per yd³ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 ft² | ~13.5 |
| 2 inches | 162 ft² | ~13.5 |
| 3 inches | 108 ft² | ~13.5 |
| 4 inches | 81 ft² | ~13.5 |
What affects mulch cost
- Project size — larger landscaping jobs lower the cost per unit but raise the total.
- Material grade — premium products cost more but often last longer.
- Labor rates — local wages and demand swing installed prices significantly.
- Region — prices vary by state and metro (see local cost pages below).
- Site access & prep — removal of old material and difficult access add cost.
- Season — booking in the off-season can cut labor pricing.