What this site is
Mulch Calculators is a small collection of calculators and guides for garden mulch: shredded hardwood, cedar, cypress, pine bark, dyed mulch, wood chips, rubber mulch, pine straw and playground surfacing. Each calculator shows its formula, so you can check the arithmetic yourself, and each guide includes worked examples.
How the numbers work
The volume math is the same arithmetic landscape suppliers use: square feet × depth in inches ÷ 324 = cubic yards. Bags are cubic feet divided by the bag size on the label. Where a figure is a typical range rather than exact arithmetic, such as the weight of a bag or the coverage of a pine straw bale, the page says “about” and explains what changes it.
We don’t publish prices. Mulch prices change too much by region and season for a national figure to be useful, so the cost calculator uses the prices you get locally.
What it isn’t
These are estimates for planning. Products differ, bags and bales vary in size, and suppliers measure loads in their own way. Confirm quantities with your supplier before you order, and for playgrounds follow the equipment and surfacing manufacturers’ instructions.
Contact
Spotted a mistake or want a calculator we don’t have? See the contact page.