Bed size
Labor and extras
How the numbers are worked out
Area = length × width for each bed. Volume in cubic yards = area × depth in inches ÷ 12 ÷ 27. Cubic yards to order = volume × (1 + waste %), rounded up to the next quarter yard. The results also show how many 2 and 3 cubic foot bags that equals. Mulch and spreading labor are priced per cubic yard, edging per linear foot, weed barrier per square foot, and delivery and old mulch removal as separate lines. If the total is below your minimum job charge, a minimum charge adjustment brings it up to the minimum.
Example with the defaults: a 30 × 10 ft bed is 300 sq ft. At 3 inches deep that is 300 × 3 ÷ 12 = 75 cubic feet, or 2.78 cubic yards. With 5% waste that is 2.92, rounded up to 3 cubic yards (81 cubic feet, 41 bags of 2 cu ft). Mulch 3 × $45 is $135 and spreading 3 × $40 is $120, so the total is $255, above the $150 minimum. Rates are examples; use your own.
Tips for mulch estimates
- Measure the bed after edging is cut, and subtract tree rings or stone areas you will not cover.
- Quote old mulch removal separately; stripping heavy buildup takes longer than spreading new mulch.
- Round bulk orders up to the supplier's delivery increment, and check the minimum load before quoting small beds.
- Check your rates cover your costs and target margin with the job price calculator and fine-tune waste with the material waste calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much mulch do I need?
Multiply the bed length by width (in feet) to get the area, multiply by the depth in inches divided by 12 to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. A 300 sq ft bed mulched 3 inches deep is 75 cubic feet, or about 2.78 cubic yards.
How many bags of mulch are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it takes 13.5 bags of 2 cubic foot mulch or 9 bags of 3 cubic foot mulch. Bulk delivery is usually cheaper per yard than bags once a job passes about 2 yards.
How deep should mulch be?
Garden beds usually get 2 to 3 inches. Going deeper than about 4 inches can hold too much moisture against plants, and thinner than 2 inches lets weeds through. Check local guidance for your plants.
Can I send this as an estimate?
Yes. Click Turn into an estimate. Mulch, spreading labor, edging and delivery become line items in the free Estimate & Invoice Maker, where you add your logo and customer details and download a PDF. Your business details from earlier drafts are kept.
Estimates for planning only. Rates shown are examples, not market prices; use your own.
Related: Free landscaping estimate template · Concrete estimate calculator · Job price calculator