Part of the Agriculture collection — 4 tools available
Garden Bed Calculator — Raised Bed Soil Volume
Calculate how much soil you need to fill raised garden beds. Estimate cubic feet, cubic yards, and bags of soil mix for raised bed gardens.
About This Calculator
Raised bed gardening continues to grow in popularity among both urban and rural growers, but filling those beds with quality soil mix is often the single biggest expense of the entire project. A standard 4*8*12 inch raised bed needs about 32 cubic feet of soil — that's roughly 21 bags from the garden center at $6-8 each, or about $130-170 worth of soil per bed. Bulk delivery becomes economical at three or more beds but requires access for a delivery truck. Our raised bed calculator helps you figure out exactly how much soil to buy.
The Formula Behind This Calculator
Soil (cu ft) = Length * Width * Depth Cubic yards = Cu ft / 27 Bags = Cu ft / Bag size
Understanding the math helps you verify results and make better decisions for your project.
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How to Use
- 1Measure the interior length and width of your raised bed frame.
- 2Enter the depth (height of the bed frame) in inches.
- 3Specify how many beds you need to fill.
- 4Review the cubic feet, cubic yards, and bag count for purchasing.
When to Use
- →Building and filling new raised garden beds for the season.
- →Ordering bulk soil delivery for multiple beds.
- →Budgeting garden startup costs for a community or school garden.
Tips
- ✓Use a mix of 50% topsoil, 30% compost, and 20% aeration (perlite/vermiculite) for best results.
- ✓Don't fill beds to the very top — leave 1-2 inches for mulch and watering.
- ✓Bulk soil delivery is cheaper than bags when you need more than 1 cubic yard (27 cubic feet).
FAQ
How deep should a raised bed be?
12 inches is minimum for most vegetables. Root crops like carrots and potatoes need 12-18 inches. Shallow greens and herbs can grow in 6-inch beds.
Can I fill the bottom of deep beds with cheaper material?
Yes. Use the hugelkultur method: logs, branches, and leaves in the bottom third, then soil mix on top. This saves soil cost and slowly releases nutrients.
How much does raised bed soil cost?
Bagged garden soil runs $5-8 per 1.5 cu ft bag ($90-144/cu yd). Bulk delivery is $30-60 per cubic yard but may have a minimum delivery charge.
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