Raised Garden Beds – Soil Volume Calculator Tool
Raised garden beds are an excellent choice for gardeners who want more control over soil quality, drainage, and organization. They reduce weeds, improve root development, and make gardening more accessible.
But one common mistake? Misjudging how much soil you’ll need to fill them. That’s where our Topsoil Calculator comes in.
Why Accurate Soil Calculation Matters for Raised Beds
Whether you’re building one small raised bed or several large ones, guessing soil volume often leads to two problems:
- Underfilling, which leaves plants shallow-rooted and vulnerable
- Overordering, which wastes time, space, and money
Planning the right amount of soil ensures healthy plant growth and a smooth gardening experience.
Use the Topsoil Calculator for Raised Garden Beds
Our Topsoil Calculator is designed to make soil volume calculation simple. Just enter the length, width, and depth of your raised bed(s), and the tool instantly tells you how many cubic yards of soil you need.
Example:
A raised bed that’s 6 ft long × 3 ft wide × 1 ft deep =
6 × 3 × 1 = 18 cubic feet → 18 ÷ 27 = 0.67 cubic yards
Use this info to order bulk bags, or plan your mix of topsoil, compost, and organic matter.
What to Fill Raised Garden Beds With
Most raised garden beds thrive on a blend like:
- 60% topsoil
- 30% compost
- 10% peat moss or soil improver
This mixture provides essential nutrients, supports strong roots, and allows for proper drainage.
Ideal for All Garden Types
The calculator works for:
- Single or multi-level raised beds
- Wooden, stone, or metal beds
- Beds for vegetables, herbs, or decorative flowers
- Urban and backyard gardens alike
Order with Confidence
Once you know how many cubic yards you need, you can easily decide how many bulk bags or standard soil bags to buy reducing waste and avoiding repeat trips to the garden center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much soil do I need for raised garden beds?
Measure the length × width × depth (in feet) of your bed, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards or use our Topsoil Calculator for fast, accurate results.
2. What is the best soil mix for raised beds?
A good mix includes 60% topsoil, 30% compost, and 10% organic matter like peat moss or soil improver for healthy growth and drainage.
3. Can I use bulk bags to fill raised beds?
Yes. Once you calculate your soil volume, you can easily order the right number of bulk bags to avoid waste and extra trips.
4. Do raised beds require more soil than flat gardens?
Yes, because you’re building above ground level. Accurate soil estimation ensures the beds are fully filled for root development and plant health.
5. Is this calculator suitable for multiple raised beds?
Absolutely. Just calculate one bed’s volume and multiply it by the number of beds or calculate each one individually using the tool.