👤 Who is this for: gardeners, landscapers & playground surfacing projects.
How to use the bark calculator
- Measure the length and width of your bed in feet.
- Enter your depth (2–4 inches is typical) or tap a preset.
- Pick your bark type and hit Calculate Bark.
Bark calculator formula
Cubic yards = (Length × Width × Depth in feet) ÷ 27
Example: a 20 × 10 ft bed at 3 inches deep → (20 × 10 × 0.25) ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards.
Bark types and prices
| Bark type | Price per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| Shredded bark | $25–$40 |
| Pine bark nuggets | $35–$50 |
| Cedar bark | $38–$55 |
| Hardwood bark | $45–$65 |
How deep should bark mulch be?
- 2 inches: annual top-up on existing beds
- 3 inches: new beds and around trees (most common)
- 4 inches: pathways and heavy weed suppression
Don't pile bark deeper than 4 inches — roots need air.
📝 Real Project Example
30×4 ft bed, 3 inches of pine bark nuggets:
- Area: 120 sq ft
- Volume: 120 × 0.25 = 30 cu ft
- Cubic yards: 30 ÷ 27 = 1.11 → order 1.25 cubic yards
- Bags alternative: 1.11 × 13.5 = 15 bags of 2 cu ft bark
- Cost check: 1.25 cubic yards at ~$40 = ~$50 bulk vs 15 bags at ~$5 = $75
Never pile bark deeper than 4 inches — roots need air. Top up 1–2 inches each spring as it decomposes.
Tips
- Keep bark 2–3 inches away from plant stems and tree trunks (no "mulch volcanoes").
- Bark nuggets last longer than shredded bark but cost more.
- Top up every year; a full replacement is usually needed every 2–3 years.
📚 Sources & Methodology
How we calculate. Step 1: volume in cubic feet = length × width × depth (all in feet). Step 2: cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Step 3: 2-cu-ft bags = cubic feet ÷ 2 (13.5 bags per cubic yard — always round up). Bark nuggets weigh roughly 675 lbs per cubic yard; shredded bark is lighter.
Cross-checked. Our coverage and bag figures match independent bark/mulch references; bulk is 30–50% cheaper than bags for beds over a cubic yard.
Sources:
- MulchCalculator.org — Mulch Calculator: Cubic Yards, Bags and Cost (bag counts and coverage figures)
- The Calculator Site — How Much Does a Cubic Yard Weigh? (material weight chart)
Last updated: October 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Related calculators: Mulch Calculator, Compost Calculator