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Soil Calculator

Calculate soil for gardens and raised beds

Units

Soil Needed

1.19 yd³

Cubic Feet

32

1 CF Bags

36

Weight

1760 lbs

Recommended: 6-12 inches for most gardens

Weight per Cu Ft55 lbs
Bulk Price per Yard$55
Bag Price (1 cf)$10

Recommended Soil Depths

Lawn topdressing1-2 inches
Overseeding lawns2-4 inches
Annual flowers6 inches
Perennial flowers8-10 inches
Vegetables10-12 inches
Root vegetables12-18 inches
Shrubs & trees18-24 inches
Cubic Feet

32

Weight

1760 lbs

1 CF Bags

36

Bulk Cost

$65

Volume

Cubic Yards1.19 yd³
Cubic Feet32 ft³
Weight1760 lbs

Pickup Truck Loads

~2 full truck beds (loose fill)

2

Bag Options (with 10% extra)

40 lb Bags (~0.5 cf)49 bags
1 Cu Ft Bags36 bags
2 Cu Ft Bags18 bags

Cost Comparison

Bulk Delivery$65
Bagged (1 cf)$360

Best for large projects

Convenient for small jobs

What You'll Need

GARDEN STAR 5 Cu Ft Poly Tray Wheelbarrow

GARDEN STAR 5 Cu Ft Poly Tray Wheelbarrow

$65-$904.4
View on Amazon
VIVOSUN 3-in-1 Soil pH/Moisture/Light Tester

VIVOSUN 3-in-1 Soil pH/Moisture/Light Tester

$10-$154.3
View on Amazon
Stainless Steel Garden Hoe Rake Weeding Tool

Stainless Steel Garden Hoe Rake Weeding Tool

$30-$354.5
View on Amazon
Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric Heavy Duty 6.5ftx300ft

Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric Heavy Duty 6.5ftx300ft

$65-$754.5
View on Amazon
BOSCH GLM20 Blaze 65ft Laser Distance Measure

BOSCH GLM20 Blaze 65ft Laser Distance Measure

$30-$504.6
View on Amazon
Stanley FatMax 25ft Magnetic Tape Measure

Stanley FatMax 25ft Magnetic Tape Measure

$20-$304.6
View on Amazon
GARDEN STAR 5 Cu Ft Poly Tray Wheelbarrow

GARDEN STAR 5 Cu Ft Poly Tray Wheelbarrow

$65-$904.4
View on Amazon
VIVOSUN 3-in-1 Soil pH/Moisture/Light Tester

VIVOSUN 3-in-1 Soil pH/Moisture/Light Tester

$10-$154.3
View on Amazon
Stainless Steel Garden Hoe Rake Weeding Tool

Stainless Steel Garden Hoe Rake Weeding Tool

$30-$354.5
View on Amazon
Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric Heavy Duty 6.5ftx300ft

Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric Heavy Duty 6.5ftx300ft

$65-$754.5
View on Amazon
BOSCH GLM20 Blaze 65ft Laser Distance Measure

BOSCH GLM20 Blaze 65ft Laser Distance Measure

$30-$504.6
View on Amazon
Stanley FatMax 25ft Magnetic Tape Measure

Stanley FatMax 25ft Magnetic Tape Measure

$20-$304.6
View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How much soil do I need for a raised bed?

Cubic feet = Length × Width × Depth (all in feet). Cubic yards = Cubic feet ÷ 27. A 4×8 bed at 12" deep = 4×8×1 = 32 cu ft = 1.2 cubic yards. Add 10-15% for settling.

  • Formula: L × W × D (feet) ÷ 27 = Cubic yards
  • 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
  • Add 10-15% for settling over time
  • Soil settles 1-2" after watering
  • May need to top off after first season
Bed Size6" Deep12" Deep18" Deep
4×4 ft0.3 cu yd (8 cu ft)0.6 cu yd (16 cu ft)0.9 cu yd (24 cu ft)
4×8 ft0.6 cu yd (16 cu ft)1.2 cu yd (32 cu ft)1.8 cu yd (48 cu ft)
4×12 ft0.9 cu yd (24 cu ft)1.8 cu yd (48 cu ft)2.7 cu yd (72 cu ft)
3×6 ft0.3 cu yd (9 cu ft)0.7 cu yd (18 cu ft)1.0 cu yd (27 cu ft)
Q

How deep should soil be for vegetables?

12 inches is standard for most vegetables. 6-8" for lettuce, herbs, and shallow roots. 12-18" for tomatoes, peppers, and deep roots. 18-24" for carrots and root vegetables. Deeper = better drainage and root growth.

  • 12" is the sweet spot for most gardens
  • Shallower beds dry out faster
  • Deeper beds need more soil = more cost
  • Can fill bottom with sticks/logs (hugelkultur)
Soil DepthBest ForCrop Examples
6-8 inchesShallow rootsLettuce, herbs, onions, radishes
10-12 inchesMost vegetablesPeppers, beans, cucumbers
12-18 inchesDeep rootsTomatoes, squash, eggplant
18-24 inchesRoot cropsCarrots, potatoes, parsnips
Q

What soil mix should I use for raised beds?

60% topsoil + 30% compost + 10% perlite/vermiculite is ideal. Or use "Mel's Mix" (equal parts peat moss, vermiculite, compost). Pre-mixed "raised bed soil" works but is pricier. Never use only topsoil.

  • Topsoil alone: Too heavy, poor drainage
  • Add compost: Nutrients + drainage
  • Add perlite: Aeration + drainage
  • pH: Most veggies prefer 6.0-7.0
  • Test soil: Add amendments as needed
Soil TypeBest ForCost/Cu YdNotes
Garden soil mixRaised beds$35-55Topsoil + compost blend
Topsoil onlyFill, not planting$20-35Compacts, needs amending
Mel's MixSquare foot gardening$75-100Light, excellent drainage
Bagged raised bed mixSmall beds$5-8/cu ftConvenient, premium price
Q

Bulk soil vs bagged: Which should I buy?

Bulk saves 50-70% for 1+ cubic yards. Bagged: $5-10/cu ft. Bulk: $35-55/cu yd delivered. Break-even at ~1 cubic yard. Bulk needs wheelbarrow and labor. Bags are convenient for small projects.

  • *Prices vary by location and soil type
  • Bulk minimum: Usually 1-3 cubic yards
  • Delivery fee: Often $50-100
  • Ask for "garden mix" or "raised bed blend"
  • Avoid "fill dirt" for planting
AmountBagged Cost*Bulk Cost*Winner
10 cu ft$50-80N/A (minimum)Bagged
27 cu ft (1 cu yd)$135-200$85-150Bulk
54 cu ft (2 cu yd)$270-400$120-200Bulk saves $150+
Q

How many bags of soil for my raised bed?

Calculate cubic feet needed, divide by bag size. 4×8 bed at 12" deep = 32 cu ft. 32 ÷ 1 cu ft bags = 32 bags. Or 32 ÷ 2 cu ft bags = 16 bags. Big box stores sell 1, 1.5, and 2 cu ft bags.

  • Check bag volume (not just weight)
  • 40 lb bag ≈ 0.5-0.75 cu ft
  • Bagged soil costs $4-10 per cu ft
  • For 1+ cubic yards: Consider bulk delivery
Bed Size (12" deep)1 cu ft bags1.5 cu ft bags2 cu ft bags
4×4 ft (16 cu ft)16 bags11 bags8 bags
4×8 ft (32 cu ft)32 bags22 bags16 bags
4×12 ft (48 cu ft)48 bags32 bags24 bags
Q

Do I need to replace raised bed soil?

No full replacement needed if you maintain it. Add 1-2" of compost annually. Soil level drops as organic matter decomposes - top up yearly. After 3-5 years, consider soil test and amendment.

  • Annual: Add 1-2" compost on top
  • Soil settles: Top up to maintain level
  • Every 3-5 years: Soil test for nutrients
  • Rotate crops: Prevents nutrient depletion
  • Cover crops: Add nitrogen in off-season
  • Never leave soil bare (erosion, nutrient loss)
Q

How much does soil weigh per cubic yard?

Soil weight varies by type: topsoil weighs about 2,025 lbs per cubic yard, garden mix about 1,890 lbs, and potting mix about 1,080 lbs. A standard pickup truck holds about 1 cubic yard of loose soil.

  • Full-size pickup: ~1 cubic yard capacity
  • Half-ton truck: Don't exceed 1,000 lbs payload
  • Wet soil weighs 20-30% more than dry
  • For 2+ cubic yards, bulk delivery is safer
  • 40 lb bag = ~0.5-0.75 cu ft depending on soil type
Soil TypeLbs per Cu FtLbs per Cu YdPickup Loads (1 yd)
Topsoil75 lbs2,025 lbs1 load
Garden Mix70 lbs1,890 lbs1 load
Raised Bed Mix55 lbs1,485 lbs1 load
Compost50 lbs1,350 lbs1 load
Potting Mix40 lbs1,080 lbs1 load

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Example Calculations

1Raised Garden Bed with Raised Bed Mix

Inputs

Length8 ft
Width4 ft
Depth12 inches
Soil TypeRaised Bed Mix

Result

Soil Needed1.19 cubic yards
Cubic Feet32
Weight1,760 lbs
40 lb Bags49
1 Cu Ft Bags36
2 Cu Ft Bags18
Bulk Cost$65
Bagged Cost$360

Cubic feet = 8 × 4 × (12/12) = 32. Cubic yards = 32 / 27 = 1.19. With 10% settling: 35.2 cu ft. 1 cu ft bags = ceil(35.2) = 36. Bulk = 1.19 × $55 = $65. Bagged = 36 × $10 = $360.

2Flower Bed with Topsoil

Inputs

Length12 ft
Width6 ft
Depth6 inches
Soil TypeTopsoil

Result

Soil Needed1.33 cubic yards
Cubic Feet36
Weight2,700 lbs
40 lb Bags75
1 Cu Ft Bags40
2 Cu Ft Bags20
Bulk Cost$40
Bagged Cost$160

Cubic feet = 12 × 6 × (6/12) = 36. Cubic yards = 36 / 27 = 1.33. With 10% settling: 39.6 cu ft. 1 cu ft bags = ceil(39.6) = 40. Bulk = 1.33 × $30 = $40. Bagged = 40 × $4 = $160.

3Large Raised Bed with Garden Soil Mix

Inputs

Length16 ft
Width4 ft
Depth12 inches
Soil TypeGarden Soil Mix

Result

Soil Needed2.37 cubic yards
Cubic Feet64
Weight4,480 lbs
40 lb Bags124
1 Cu Ft Bags71
2 Cu Ft Bags36
Bulk Cost$107
Bagged Cost$426

Cubic feet = 16 × 4 × (12/12) = 64. Cubic yards = 64 / 27 = 2.37. With 10% settling: 70.4 cu ft. 1 cu ft bags = ceil(70.4) = 71. Bulk = 2.37 × $45 = $107. Bagged = 71 × $6 = $426. Bulk delivery saves over $300.

Formulas Used

Soil Volume

Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth / 12) / 27

Calculates the volume of soil needed in cubic yards from dimensions in feet and depth in inches.

Where:

Length= Bed length in feet
Width= Bed width in feet
Depth= Soil depth in inches (divided by 12 to convert to feet)

Bags Needed (with 10% settling allowance)

Bags (1 cu ft) = ceil(Cubic Feet × 1.1) | Bags (40 lb) = ceil(Adjusted cu ft / (40 / lbs per cu ft))

Calculates bags needed with 10% extra for settling. 40 lb bag volume varies by soil weight.

Where:

Cubic Feet= Length × Width × (Depth / 12)
lbs per cu ft= Soil density (Topsoil: 75, Garden Mix: 70, Potting Mix: 40, Compost: 50, Raised Bed Mix: 55)

Cost Comparison

Bulk = Cubic Yards × Cost per Yard | Bagged = Bags (1 cf) × Bag Price

Compares bulk delivery cost versus purchasing individual bags.

Where:

Cost per Yard= Bulk price per cubic yard for selected soil type
Bag Price= Price per 1 cubic foot bag for selected soil type

Complete Guide to Garden Soil Estimation

1

Soil Volume Formulas: Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards

1.19 cubic yards fills a standard 4×8 ft raised bed at 12 inches deep — that is 32 cubic feet or roughly 1,760 lbs of raised bed mix. The volume formula is Length × Width × (Depth/12) for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Getting this calculation right prevents both over-ordering ($50–$100 wasted) and shortages that delay planting.

Soil settles 10–15% after initial filling and watering as air pockets compress and organic matter begins decomposing. A bed filled to 12 inches will drop to 10–11 inches within 2–4 weeks. Add 10% to your calculated volume upfront, or plan to top off with 1–2 inches of compost after the first month.

Irregular bed shapes require breaking the area into simple rectangles and triangles. For circular beds, use π × r² × depth. A 6-foot diameter round bed at 10 inches deep = 3.14 × 9 × 0.833 = 23.5 cu ft = 0.87 cu yd. The mulch calculator uses the same volume formulas for topdressing and pathway fill.

Tip: For hugelkultur or deep beds, fill the bottom 6–12 inches with logs, branches, and leaves. This reduces soil volume needed by 30–40% and improves drainage as the wood decomposes over 3–5 years.

2

Bulk vs. Bagged Soil: Cost Comparison

$65 for bulk delivery versus $360 for bagged soil covers the same 4×8 ft raised bed — a 5.5× price difference that makes bulk the clear winner for any project needing 1+ cubic yards. The break-even point falls at approximately 0.75 cubic yards; below that, bagged soil from a home center is more convenient despite the per-unit premium.

Bulk soil is sold by the cubic yard at $30–$55 for topsoil, $35–$55 for garden mix, and $55–$100 for premium raised bed blends. Delivery fees run $50–$100 per trip regardless of quantity (most suppliers have a 1–3 cu yd minimum). A single delivery of 3 cubic yards at $45/yd + $75 delivery = $210 total, filling three 4×8 ft beds.

Bagged soil at big-box stores costs $4–$10 per cubic foot depending on type. A 4×8 bed needs 36 one-cubic-foot bags (with settling allowance) at $8–$10 each for raised bed mix = $288–$360. The convenience is real — bags stack neatly, store indefinitely, and require no wheelbarrow — but the 3–5× price premium adds up fast on larger projects.

Raised bed mix costs at 2025–2026 national averages
Project SizeBagged CostBulk Cost (delivered)Savings with Bulk
1 bed (4×8, 12" deep)$288–$360$120–$150$150–$210
2 beds (4×8, 12" deep)$576–$720$170–$225$400–$500
3 beds (4×8, 12" deep)$864–$1,080$210–$300$600–$780
Large bed (4×16, 12" deep)$576–$720$185–$250$390–$470
3

Soil Mix Recipes for Raised Beds

60% topsoil + 30% compost + 10% perlite creates a balanced raised bed mix for $35–$55 per cubic yard in bulk — the best value for most vegetable gardens. The topsoil provides structure and mineral nutrients, compost adds organic matter and beneficial microbes, and perlite ensures drainage so roots don’t sit in waterlogged soil.

Mel’s Mix (equal parts peat moss, vermiculite, and blended compost) is the standard for square foot gardening at $75–$100 per cubic yard. It’s exceptionally light (40 lbs/cu ft vs. 75 lbs for topsoil), drains perfectly, and holds moisture evenly. The downside is cost: filling a 4×8 bed with Mel’s Mix runs $90–$120 in bulk versus $42–$65 for garden soil mix.

Never use 100% topsoil in raised beds. Topsoil alone compacts heavily, drains poorly, and lacks the organic matter vegetables need. At minimum, amend topsoil with 25–30% compost by volume. For container gardening or beds under 6 inches deep, use potting mix ($5–$8/cu ft) rather than topsoil — its lighter weight prevents compaction in shallow containers.

  • Standard garden mix (60/30/10): $35–$55/cu yd — best value for most vegetable beds
  • Mel’s Mix (1/3 each peat, vermiculite, compost): $75–$100/cu yd — lightest, best drainage
  • Compost-heavy mix (50/50 topsoil/compost): $40–$60/cu yd — rich nutrients, may compact
  • Pure compost: $30–$50/cu yd — excellent amendment, too rich as sole growing medium
  • Potting mix: $5–$8/cu ft — containers and very shallow beds only
4

Soil Depth Requirements by Plant Type

12 inches of soil depth covers 90% of vegetable garden needs, from tomatoes and peppers to beans and squash. Shallow-rooted crops like lettuce, herbs, and radishes grow well in just 6–8 inches, making them ideal for economical beds that require 50% less soil. Deep root crops like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes need 18–24 inches for full-length root development.

Soil depth directly affects water retention and temperature buffering. A 12-inch bed holds roughly 1.5 gallons of available water per square foot, requiring watering every 2–3 days in summer. A 6-inch bed holds only 0.75 gallons/sq ft and may need daily watering in hot climates. Deeper beds also maintain more stable soil temperatures, extending the growing season by 1–2 weeks in spring and fall.

For raised beds placed on top of existing ground (open bottom), roots can extend below the bed into native soil, effectively adding 6–12 inches of rooting depth for free. Beds on concrete, decks, or over landscape fabric are true containers and need the full depth specified for each crop type. Use the gravel calculator to plan a 2–4 inch drainage layer below open-bottom beds in clay soil areas.

Soil volumes for a standard 4×8 ft raised bed
DepthBest CropsSoil per 4×8 BedCost (garden mix)
6" (15 cm)Lettuce, herbs, radishes, onions0.59 cu yd$25–$35
10–12" (25–30 cm)Tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers1.19 cu yd$45–$65
18" (45 cm)Carrots, potatoes, asparagus1.78 cu yd$65–$100
24" (60 cm)Parsnips, sweet potatoes, fruit trees2.37 cu yd$85–$130
5

Soil Weight, Delivery, and Handling

2,025 lbs per cubic yard is the typical weight of topsoil, meaning a single 4×8 raised bed filled to 12 inches weighs roughly 1 ton. Garden mix is lighter at 1,890 lbs/cu yd, and premium raised bed blends weigh 1,485 lbs/cu yd due to higher perlite and compost content. Wet soil adds 20–30% more weight — critical to know if your bed sits on a deck or balcony.

A standard full-size pickup truck holds approximately 1 cubic yard of loose soil (about 2,000 lbs), which is the safe payload limit for most half-ton trucks. Overloading risks suspension damage and unsafe handling. For 2+ cubic yards, use a 3/4-ton truck, utility trailer, or simply schedule bulk delivery for $50–$100.

Bagged soil is easier to transport but heavier than expected: 40 lb bags contain only 0.5–0.75 cu ft of soil. Filling a 4×8 bed requires 32–36 one-cubic-foot bags — roughly 1,600–2,160 lbs loaded into your car in multiple trips. At 25–35 bags per shopping cart, plan 2 cart loads and a sturdy vehicle.

  1. 1

    Calculate total volume

    Use Length × Width × (Depth/12) ÷ 27 for cubic yards. Add 10% for settling. A 4×8 ft bed at 12" = 1.19 cu yd × 1.10 = 1.31 cu yd.

  2. 2

    Choose bulk or bagged

    Over 0.75 cu yd? Go bulk. Under? Bags are more convenient. Compare: bulk garden mix at $45/cu yd + $75 delivery vs. 36 bags at $8 each = $288.

  3. 3

    Arrange delivery or transport

    Bulk: schedule delivery and clear a dumping spot within 20 ft of the beds. Bagged: bring a truck or SUV with seats folded down. 36 bags fit in a standard pickup bed.

  4. 4

    Fill beds in layers

    Add soil in 4–6 inch layers, watering each layer to settle air pockets. Overfill by 1–2 inches above the bed rim — soil will settle to the correct level within 2–4 weeks.

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Last Updated: Mar 26, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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