Enter the size of your bed or path and how deep you want it. You’ll get cubic yards, the number of bags, and whether bags or a bulk delivery is cheaper.
How to calculate mulch, gravel or soil
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
Bags = cubic feet ÷ bag size
Worked example: a 20 × 10 ft bed, 3 inches of mulch
200 sq ft × 3 in ÷ 12 = 50 cubic feet, or 1.85 cubic yards. That’s 25 bags of 2 cu ft mulch at about $125, versus 2 yards of bulk mulch plus delivery for about $140. Above about 3 yards, bulk usually wins.
How deep to spread it
| Material | Recommended depth | 1 cu yd covers |
|---|---|---|
| Mulch, refreshing a bed | 1–2 in | 162–324 sq ft |
| Mulch, new bed | 3 in | 108 sq ft |
| Gravel path | 3–4 in | 81–108 sq ft |
| Topsoil for new lawn | 4–6 in | 54–81 sq ft |
Prices in 2026
Bulk mulch delivered generally costs $35–$110 per cubic yard depending on type, and Lawn Love reports $72–$87 per cubic yard with professional spreading. Bagged mulch usually runs $4–$8 per 2 cu ft bag. Basic gravel often sells for $25–$60 per yard plus delivery, and bulk topsoil for about $25–$55 per yard.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of mulch are in a yard?
13.5 bags of 2 cu ft, or 9 bags of 3 cu ft.
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
About 1.4 tons (2,800 lb). Many suppliers sell gravel by the ton, so ask which unit they use.
Should I put fabric under mulch?
Under gravel, yes. Under mulch in planting beds it’s optional: it slows weeds but also blocks mulch from enriching the soil.
Sources: Lawn Love mulch cost guide (2026); 2026 bulk material price surveys.
