Soil Calculator

Estimate soil volume in cubic yards, weight, 40 lb bag count, and optional cost for rectangular or circular garden beds and fill areas.

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Landscape material planning Estimate soil volume for raised beds, garden areas, and circular planters, then compare cubic yards, bags, and weight before you order.

Shape

Length (ft) Width (ft) Depth (inches) Soil density (lbs/cu ft) Unit cost (optional, per cu yd in your local currency)

Enter values Provide a positive bed size and fill depth to estimate the soil needed.

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Landscape Material Estimating

Soil volume, bag count, and fill quantity planning

A soil calculator estimates how much topsoil, garden soil, or fill dirt you need for raised beds, circular planters, and grading projects. It converts bed dimensions and fill depth into cubic yards, 40 lb bag equivalents, total weight, and an optional unit cost so you can order the right amount without overbuying.

About this calculator

Reviewed March 2026

Methodology

Calculates soil volume from rectangular or circular project area and fill depth, converts the result into cubic yards, and compares the same total with 40 lb bag equivalents, total weight, and an optional unit-cost estimate.

Limitations

Irregular shapes, sloped beds, and mixed depths should be entered as separate sections for a better order estimate
Bag count varies by bag size and product density, so retail packaging should be checked before buying
Soil weight changes with moisture content and compaction, which can materially affect delivery handling

Disclaimer

Use this as a planning estimate only. Confirm the final order against the exact product bag size, supplier delivery minimums, and the fill depth recommended for the project.

Sources

University of Minnesota Extension - Raised bed gardens — Extension guidance on raised-bed fill depth, soil selection, and practical garden-bed planning.
Oregon State University Extension - Raised bed gardening — Extension reference used for raised-bed soil depth and bulk material planning.
Penn State Extension - Soil health in raised beds — Extension guidance on raised-bed soil structure, amendments, and practical fill considerations.

See our calculation methodology and editorial standards for how this estimate is produced.

How soil volume is calculated

Soil quantity is a volume calculation: area times depth. This calculator supports rectangular and circular beds, then converts the result into cubic feet and cubic yards, which are the standard bulk-ordering units for landscape material.

For irregularly shaped beds, split the area into simpler sections and total them outside the tool. The calculator also converts the total into a 40 lb bag estimate and an approximate total weight, which is useful when you are comparing bagged soil with bulk delivery for a smaller project.

Area = Length x Width

Each rectangular section is measured in square feet or square metres before depth is applied.

Cubic feet = Area x (Depth in inches / 12)

Depth is converted into feet so the result stays in cubic feet before bulk conversion.

Cubic yards = Cubic feet / 27

Bulk soil is commonly sold by the cubic yard, so cubic feet are converted for ordering.

Bulk versus bagged soil

Bulk soil is usually sold by the cubic yard and delivered by truck. It is typically the most economical option for larger jobs. Bagged soil is sold in standard volumes and is easier to handle for small raised beds, containers, and spot filling.

The calculator estimates a rough 40 lb bag count and total weight using the density you enter. That makes it easier to compare a landscaper quote against a bagged-retail price when you are deciding how to place the order.

Raised beds, settling, and fill depth

A filled bed usually needs more material than its final visible depth suggests because soil settles after watering. A buffer of 5 to 10 percent is common, especially for loose fill or beds that will be watered heavily after installation.

Depth matters as much as area. A 2-inch top-up, a 4-inch raised-bed fill, and a 6-inch grading layer can differ by several bags or a sizeable fraction of a cubic yard even when the bed footprint is the same.

How to use the result

Use the cubic-yard result when comparing bulk quotes and the bag count when comparing retail sacks. For example, two beds totalling 150 sq ft at 3 inches deep need about 1.39 cubic yards or roughly 84 standard 40 lb bags at an 80 lb per cubic foot planning density.

If your project includes separate planting zones, different fill depths, or a soil-and-compost blend, calculate each section separately and add the totals. That produces a cleaner order estimate than trying to force one average depth across the whole site.

Frequently asked questions

How much soil do I need for a raised bed?

Multiply the bed length by width by depth, convert to cubic yards or cubic feet, and add 5 to 10 percent for settling. A soil calculator does this from your bed dimensions and shows both bulk and bagged equivalents.

How many bags of soil are in a cubic yard?

It depends on the actual density and the bag format you are comparing with. This calculator converts the same bulk quantity into an approximate 40 lb bag count so you can compare a bulk quote with smaller retail purchases.

How deep should soil be in a raised bed?

That depends on what you are growing. Many raised beds use a 4 to 6 inch top layer for topping up, while new beds may need a deeper fill. Check the planting plan and local extension guidance before ordering.

Should I add a settling allowance when ordering soil?

Yes. A 5 to 10 percent buffer is a practical rule of thumb for settling, uneven ground, and spreading losses. Running short usually means a second delivery charge, so a small surplus is usually cheaper.

Soil Calculator

Soil volume, bag count, and fill quantity planning

How soil volume is calculated

Bulk versus bagged soil

Raised beds, settling, and fill depth

How to use the result

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