Garden Soil Calculator
Cubic yards of soil or compost for a bed.
Enter your values
Enter the bed length in ft.
Enter the bed width in ft.
Enter the fill depth in in.
Enter the number of beds you are working with.
Enter the bag size in cu ft.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Soil needed
- 2.37 cubic yards
- In cubic feet
- 64
- Bags required
- 43
- Approximate weight
- 2,560 lb
- With 10% settling allowance
- 2.607 cu yd
Working
- 1Volume = 8 × 4 × 1 × 2 = 64 cu ft
Quick answer
Soil volume equals length × width × depth; divide cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards.
Cubic yards = L × W × D (ft) ÷ 27
At a glance
| What it does | Cubic yards of soil or compost for a bed. |
|---|---|
| Category | Home & DIY |
| Inputs needed | Bed length, Bed width, Fill depth, Number of beds, Bag size |
| Main output | Soil needed |
| Formula | Cubic yards = L × W × D (ft) ÷ 27 |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Garden Soil Calculator
- 1Measure the bed length and width in feet.
- 2Enter the fill depth in inches.
- 3Set how many identical beds you're filling.
Inputs explained
- Bed length(ft)
- Enter the bed length in ft.
- Bed width(ft)
- Enter the bed width in ft.
- Fill depth(in)
- Enter the fill depth in in.
- Number of beds
- Enter the number of beds you are working with.
- Bag size(cu ft)
- Enter the bag size in cu ft.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Bed length8 ft
- Bed width4 ft
- Fill depth12 in
- Number of beds2
- Bag size1.5 cu ft
Results
- Soil needed2.37 cubic yards
- In cubic feet64
- Bags required43
- Approximate weight2,560 lb
- With 10% settling allowance2.607 cu yd
- Volume = 8 × 4 × 1 × 2 = 64 cu ft
Frequently asked questions
What mix should I use for raised beds?
A common blend is 60% topsoil, 30% compost and 10% aeration material like perlite or coarse sand.
Why order 10% extra?
Bulk soil settles and compacts after watering, typically losing an inch of depth in the first month.
What do I need to enter into the Garden Soil Calculator?
Just 5 values: bed length, bed width, fill depth, number of beds, bag size. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Garden Soil Calculator work out the answer?
Soil volume equals length × width × depth; divide cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards. It applies the formula Cubic yards = L × W × D (ft) ÷ 27 and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Garden Soil Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.