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Mulch, Topsoil & Gravel Calculator

Figure out exactly how many cubic yards or bags you need — and what it should cost.

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Don't overpay at the garden center. Enter your bed size and we'll convert to cubic yards, bag count, and tell you whether bulk delivery or bagged is the better deal.

Mulch & topsoil calculator

You'll need
1.5 cubic yards
Covers 160 sq ft at 3" depth · 1.48 cu yd (40 cu ft)
  • Material cost (delivery extra)$45 – $90

Bulk delivery typically adds $50–$150 per trip but is cheaper than bagged for jobs over ~2 cu yd.

Frequently asked

What depth of mulch should I use?

3 inches is the sweet spot for weed suppression and moisture retention without smothering plant roots. Refresh with 1" annually.

Bulk vs. bagged — which is cheaper?

Bulk wins above ~2 cubic yards. Below that, bagged is more practical even if slightly more expensive per cubic foot. Bulk delivery typically adds $50–$150 per trip.

How much area does a cubic yard cover?

At 3" depth, 1 cubic yard covers about 100 sq ft. Half that depth doubles the coverage.