Raised Garden Bed Soil Calculator
Estimate the soil needed for your raised bed including volume, weight, cost, and delivery options.
Enter bed length in feet or meters.
Enter bed width in feet or meters.
Enter soil depth in inches or centimeters.
Select the type of soil (affects weight).
Enter the price per cubic yard.
Select bag type for soil bagging calculation.
Select delivery option.
Created by James S. Lockwood
With a background in botany and ecological sciences, James specializes in creating practical tools and resources to help gardeners, farmers, and plant enthusiasts optimize their green spaces.
Are you planning a raised garden bed but unsure how much soil you need? Our Raised Garden Bed Soil Calculator makes it easy to estimate the exact amount of soil required based on your bed dimensions, depth, soil type, and even delivery options. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, having the right amount of soil is essential for plant health and growth.
Table of Contents
What is a Raised Garden Bed Soil Calculator?
A Raised Garden Bed Soil Calculator helps gardeners, landscapers, and DIY enthusiasts determine how much soil they need for their garden beds. By entering your bed dimensions (length, width, and depth), selecting a soil type, and factoring in amendments, weight, and costs, this calculator gives you an accurate soil volume estimate in:
✅ Cubic feet (ft³)
✅ Cubic yards (yd³)
✅ Liters (L)
✅ Total soil weight (lbs & kg)
✅ Cost estimation based on price per cubic yard
This tool is perfect for ensuring you buy the right amount of soil—whether in bulk or bagged soil—saving you money and preventing wastage.
How to Calculate Soil for a Raised Garden Bed?
Step 1: Measure Your Raised Bed Dimensions
To calculate soil volume, measure the length, width, and depth of your raised bed. Convert measurements into feet for accurate calculations.
Example:
- Length: 4 feet
- Width: 8 feet
- Depth: 12 inches (1 foot)
Step 2: Use the Soil Volume Formula
To calculate the total soil volume in cubic feet, use this formula:
Volume (Cubic Feet) = Length × Width × Depth
📌 Example Calculation:
4 ft × 8 ft × 1 ft = 32 cubic feet
To convert cubic feet into cubic yards, divide by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet):
32 ft³ ÷ 27 = 1.19 cubic yards
Step 3: Choose Your Soil Type
Different soil types have varying densities and weights. For example:
Topsoil
Weight: 2,000 lbs per cubic yard
Loam
Weight: 2,200 lbs per cubic yard
Compost
Weight: 1,300 lbs per cubic yard
Peat Moss
Weight: 1,000 lbs per cubic yard
Sand
Weight: 2,700 lbs per cubic yard
Garden Mix
Weight: 2,100 lbs per cubic yard
If you’re mixing soil amendments (e.g., compost or peat moss), adjust accordingly using the Soil Amendment Options in our calculator.
Step 4: Convert to Bags or Bulk Soil
If buying bagged soil, check how much each bag covers:
1 Cubic Foot Bag
Coverage: Covers ~12 sq ft (1" depth)
40 lb Bag
Coverage: Covers ~8 sq ft (1" depth)
Using these values, our calculator will tell you exactly how many bags you need based on your soil volume.
Step 5: Factor in Delivery & Cost
Once you’ve calculated your soil volume, consider whether you’ll purchase bulk soil or bagged soil. Our calculator helps estimate:
✅ Total cost per cubic yard
✅ Delivery charges based on distance
✅ Self-pickup, local delivery, or regional transport costs
Benefits of Using a Raised Garden Bed Soil Calculator
🌿 Saves Money & Prevents Overbuying – Buy just the right amount of soil for your garden.
📏 Accurate Soil Volume Calculations – No more guesswork; get precise cubic yard estimates.
📦 Bulk vs. Bagged Comparison – Easily determine if bulk or bagged soil is a better option for your project.
💰 Cost Estimation – Know exactly how much your soil will cost, including delivery.
🚚 Delivery & Transport Options – Calculate pickup vs. delivery cost to plan your purchase effectively.
Why Choose Our Raised Garden Bed Soil Calculator?
✅ User-friendly and accurate – Get precise soil volume and cost in just seconds.
✅ Customizable soil mixes – Choose amendments like compost, perlite, and peat moss.
✅ Cost comparison tool – Compare bulk vs. bagged soil for the best deal.
✅ Delivery cost estimator – Plan for transport costs before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How Much Soil Do I Need for a 4×8 Raised Garden Bed?
For a standard 4 ft x 8 ft bed with 12 inches (1 foot) depth, the soil volume is:
4 × 8 × 1 = 32 cubic feet
or 1.19 cubic yards of soil.
2. How Many Bags of Soil Do I Need for a Raised Garden Bed?
If using 1 cubic foot bags, you will need 32 bags for a 4×8 bed with 12-inch depth.
If using 40 lb bags (covering ~8 sq ft at 1-inch depth), you will need around 96 bags.
3. What’s the Best Soil Mix for a Raised Bed?
A good mix includes:
✅ 50% topsoil
✅ 30% compost (for nutrients)
✅ 20% peat moss or perlite (for aeration and moisture retention)
Our Raised Garden Bed Soil Calculator lets you customize your mix and adjusts the cost automatically.
4. Should I Buy Bulk Soil or Bagged Soil?
If you need more than 1 cubic yard of soil, bulk soil is usually cheaper than buying multiple bags. Our calculator helps compare costs to find the best option.
5. How Do I Calculate Soil for Multiple Raised Beds?
Simply add up the soil volumes for each raised bed and enter the total in our calculator.
Disclaimer for Raised Garden Bed Soil Calculator
This Raised Garden Bed Soil Calculator provides estimated soil volume, weight, and cost based on user inputs. Actual requirements may vary due to soil compaction, moisture, and local supplier differences. Please consult a professional for precise measurements before purchasing. We are not responsible for miscalculations or purchase decisions based on this tool.
Discover Crop & Farming Calculators