Soil Calculator
A soil calculator returns the cubic yards or bags of soil needed to fill a bed to a set depth. It multiplies length, width, and depth to get the volume, adds a settling allowance, then divides by the bag size or converts to cubic yards for bulk delivery.
Last reviewed September 2026Method & sourcesReport an error
Soil Calculator
Showing numbers from a shared link.
Soil Needed (with waste)
0.87 cu yd
Includes a 10% waste allowance.
Shopping list
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Soil16 1.5 cu ft bagsOr 1 cu yd delivered.Bagged
Bagged vs. Bulk
Under 1 cubic yard: bagged soil is usually practical - no delivery minimum, and easy to work into a raised bed a bag at a time.
| Soil Needed (with waste) | 0.87 cu yd |
|---|---|
| Bags Needed | 16 |
| Bulk Order Size | 1 cu yd |
| Estimated Cost (Bags) | |
| Estimated Cost (Bulk) |
How to Calculate Soil
Volume is Area × Depth, with depth converted from inches to feet. A waste allowance covers settling. Soil compacts noticeably after its first watering, which is why beds often need a top-up a few weeks after the initial fill. The result converts to cubic yards for bulk delivery (rounded up to a whole yard) or a bag count. Bagged topsoil and garden soil commonly come in 0.75, 1, 1.5, or 2 cubic foot bags depending on the brand and product. Bag size is a selectable input here rather than one assumed size. Check your specific product's packaging for its exact volume.
Example: 8 ft × 4 ft raised bed, 8 in. deep, 1.5 cu ft bags, 10% waste
An 8 ft × 4 ft raised bed, 8 in. deep, 1.5 cu ft bags, 10% waste: 1. Area: 8 × 4 = 32 sq ft 2. Depth in feet: 8 ÷ 12 = 0.667 ft 3. Raw volume: 32 × 0.667 ≈ 21.3 cubic feet 4. With 10% waste: 21.3 × 1.10 ≈ 23.5 cubic feet 5. Cubic yards: 23.5 ÷ 27 ≈ 0.87 cubic yards 6. Bags (1.5 cu ft each): 23.5 ÷ 1.5 ≈ 15.6, rounded up to 16 bags. At under 1 cubic yard, bagged soil is the practical choice for this bed. 16 bags is a reasonable amount to carry and mix in over an afternoon.
Soil: Compare Scenarios
| Scenario | Soil Needed (with waste) | Bags Needed | Bulk Order Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (4×4 ft bed, 6 in.) | 0.33 cu yd | 6 | 1 cu yd |
| Medium (8×4 ft bed, 8 in.) | 0.87 cu yd | 16 | 1 cu yd |
| Large (16×8 ft bed, 10 in.) | 4.35 cu yd | 79 | 5 cu yd |
What Is Soil?
A soil calculator converts a bed or raised garden's dimensions and fill depth into the cubic yards or bags of soil needed. It's most commonly used for filling a new raised bed, topping off an in-ground garden bed, or leveling a low spot in a lawn before reseeding.
Soil: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Applies a settling allowance automatically, since soil visibly compacts after its first watering in a way most simple calculators ignore
- Shows both the bagged and bulk path, since the practical choice depends heavily on total volume
- Works for both a raised bed fill and an in-ground bed top-off using the same length/width/depth inputs
Cons
- Assumes a simple rectangular bed. An irregular shape needs its area estimated separately
- Doesn't distinguish topsoil from garden soil, compost, or a raised-bed blend. These have different weights and nutrient profiles, though the volume math here applies to any of them
Soil: What a Pro Checks
- Expect the bed to settle after its first watering, and plan a top-up a few weeks later. Soil compacts noticeably once it's watered in, which is why this calculator already builds in a waste/settling allowance.
- Check your specific product's bag size on the packaging before buying. Bagged topsoil and garden soil commonly come in 0.75, 1, 1.5, or 2 cu ft sizes depending on the brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much soil do I need for a raised bed?
Multiply the bed's length, width, and depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, add a waste/settling allowance (commonly around 10%). Then divide by your product's bag size (commonly 0.75 to 2 cu ft, check the packaging) or convert to cubic yards for bulk delivery. An 8 ft × 4 ft bed at 8 in. deep needs about 16 bags at the common 1.5 cu ft size.
Why does soil need a waste allowance if nothing is being cut?
Because soil settles and compacts noticeably after its first thorough watering. A bed filled exactly level often ends up visibly lower a few weeks later. The waste allowance here accounts for that settling, not offcuts.
Should I buy bagged or bulk soil?
Under about 1 cubic yard, bagged is usually more convenient. Above about 3 cubic yards, bulk delivery is almost always cheaper per cubic yard. In between, compare a bulk quote against the bag total for your specific volume.
What's the difference between topsoil and garden soil?
Topsoil is typically just screened native soil with little added amendment, often used as a base layer or for filling low spots. Garden soil or a raised-bed blend usually has compost and other organic matter mixed in specifically for growing in containers or beds. This calculator's volume math applies to either. The choice is about what you're growing, not the quantity math.
How deep should a raised garden bed be filled?
It depends on what you're growing. Shallow-rooted vegetables and flowers often do fine with 6-8 in. of soil, while deeper-rooted vegetables like tomatoes or carrots benefit from 12 in. or more. Check guidance specific to your plants rather than assuming one depth fits everything.
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