Bulk vs Bagged: Which Is Cheaper?
Bagged materials are convenient and best for small jobs; bulk by the cubic yard is cheaper per cubic foot once you need more than roughly half a cubic yard. As a rule of thumb, past about 6 to 12 bags it is usually worth ordering bulk, even after a delivery fee.
The trade-off
Bags cost more per cubic foot but need no delivery, store easily, and let you buy an exact small amount. Bulk is cheaper per cubic foot but adds a delivery fee and needs space to dump and a way to move it.
One cubic yard equals about 13.5 of the standard 2 cubic foot mulch bags, so when a project hits a yard or more, the bag count (and lifting) climbs fast.
A simple decision rule
Under about 6 bags: buy bags. Between 6 and 12 bags: compare the bagged total against bulk plus delivery. Over about 12 bags (roughly a cubic yard): bulk almost always wins.
Add a price in any calculator on this site to compare your own bagged and bulk numbers directly.
FAQ
Is bulk mulch cheaper than bagged?
Per cubic foot, yes, usually by a wide margin. The break-even after delivery is typically around half a cubic yard to a cubic yard.
How many bags equal a cubic yard?
About 13.5 standard 2 cubic foot bags, 27 one-cubic-foot bags, or 18 one-and-a-half cubic foot bags.