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Soil Calculator

Estimate topsoil, garden soil, or fill dirt quantities for raised beds, lawns, and landscaping.

Planter / Bed Dimensions

Raised beds are typically 8 to 12 inches.
Soil settles 10% after initial watering.

Soil Quantity Estimates

Total Soil Volume (with settling)

0.99cu yd

2 Cubic Foot Soil Bags

15bags
Detailed Material Breakdown
1 Cubic Foot Soil Bags
30bags
Volume in Cubic Feet
26.67 cu ft
Volume in Cubic Meters
0.76 m³

Calculation Formula & Assumptions

Calculates topsoil, garden soil, or compost volume for raised beds, planters, and lawn leveling in cubic yards and standard retail bags.

Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in inches) ÷ 324

Step-by-step breakdown:

  • Cubic Feet = Bed Length (ft) × Bed Width (ft) × [Depth (in) ÷ 12]
  • Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
  • Bags (1 cu ft) = ⌈Cubic Feet⌉
  • Bags (2 cu ft) = ⌈Cubic Feet ÷ 2⌉

Note: Soil settles 10% to 15% after initial watering; always slightly mound or top off raised beds.

Worked Calculation Example

Two 4×8 ft Raised Vegetable Beds (10 inches deep)

Filling two raised garden boxes measuring 4 ft by 8 ft by 10 inches deep.

Beds:2 beds of 4 ft × 8 ft (64 sq ft total)
Depth:10 inches
Settling allowance:10%
Calculation Steps:
  1. Cubic Feet = 64 × (10 ÷ 12) = 53.33 cu ft
  2. Cubic Yards = 53.33 ÷ 27 = 1.98 cu yd
  3. With 10% settling: 1.98 × 1.10 = 2.18 cu yd (approx. 59 cu ft)
  4. 2 cu ft bags = 59 ÷ 2 = 30 bags
Order 2.25 cubic yards of raised bed soil blend, or 30 two-cubic-foot bags.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter bed dimensions.
  2. Enter soil depth in inches (raised beds are typically 8 to 12 inches deep).

Common Estimation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not factoring in soil compaction and settling after the first heavy watering.
  • Filling deep raised beds entirely with expensive potting mix instead of layering bulk topsoil and compost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most vegetables need 8 to 12 inches of quality soil for root growth. Deep-rooting crops like carrots or tomatoes thrive in 12 to 18 inches.

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