Raised-bed soil calculator
Find soil volume, bags to buy and your estimated bagged cost for one or more rectangular beds.
How the estimate works
Volume = length × width × fill depth × number of beds. Add your ordering allowance, then divide by the volume printed on a soil bag and round up.
Worked example
A 4 × 8 ft bed filled 12 in deep holds 32 cubic feet. Without an allowance, that takes 22 bags of 1.5 cubic feet each.
Before you order
- Measure the inside of the bed and the depth you will actually fill. Subtract any space occupied by a liner, logs or other filler.
- Allowance is an input you choose. Settling varies with your soil mix; the tool does not prescribe an amount.
- Bag counts use volume, not weight. Check the volume on your supplier’s label.
Common questions
Does this include compost?
It estimates the total fill volume. If you are blending soil and compost, their combined volume should match your chosen fill volume.
Can I estimate several beds?
Yes, if they share the same dimensions. Run separate estimates for beds of different sizes.
