One cubic yard of mulch equals 13.5 bags of 2 cubic feet. For 1 to 2 yards, bags are usually cheaper once you count the $70 to $140 bulk delivery fee.
Step 1: Work out how much mulch you need
Area x depth in feet / 27 = cubic yards. For a 10 x 20 ft bed at 3 inches:
- 10 x 20 x 0.25 = 50 cubic feet = 1.85 cubic yards
- In bags: 50 / 2 = 25 bags of 2 cubic feet
Keep mulch about 3 inches deep or less, and pull it about 3 inches back from tree trunks. Mulch piled against trunks holds moisture and leads to bark decay and root problems. (University of Maryland Extension (opens in a new tab))
Step 2: Compare the prices
- Bags: about $3.25 to $6.50 per 2 cubic foot bag.
- Bulk: about $30 to $135 per cubic yard, plus $70 to $140 for delivery.
(LawnStarter, October 2026 (opens in a new tab))
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it equals 13.5 bags (buy 14).
| Amount | Bags (2 cu ft) | Bag cost | Bulk + delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cu yd | 14 | $46 to $91 | $100 to $275 |
| 2 cu yd | 27 | $88 to $176 | $130 to $410 |
| 3 cu yd | 41 | $133 to $267 | $160 to $545 |
| 5 cu yd | 68 | $221 to $442 | $220 to $815 |
What the numbers say
- 1 to 2 yards: bags usually win once you add the delivery fee.
- 3 yards and up: bulk often wins, and by more if you pick it up with a truck or trailer and skip delivery.
- Quick test: price one yard of bulk delivered, then compare it with 14 bags at your store. Repeat for your real amount.
Things besides price
- Time and effort: 41 bags to carry and open, or one pile to move with a wheelbarrow.
- Waste: bulk leaves no plastic bags.
- Space: a delivered pile needs a spot on the driveway or lawn for a day or two.
- Quality: bulk lets you see the mulch first; bags vary by brand.
Run your bed sizes through the mulch calculator to get cubic yards and bag counts, then compare local prices.