How to use it
- Enter length in feet.
- Enter width in feet.
- Enter depth in inches.
- Read cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons instantly.
This calculator tells you exactly how much soil to fill a raised‑bed garden. You input the bed’s length and width (feet) and the desired depth (inches). The tool converts those dimensions to cubic feet, then to cubic yards, and finally estimates weight using the industry standard 1.3 US tons per cubic yard. Knowing the volume helps you order the right amount of soil, avoid costly over‑orders, and plan for delivery. The cubic‑yard figure matches what bulk suppliers quote, while the ton estimate lets you compare prices by weight. Read the three results side‑by‑side: cubic yards for bulk bags, cubic feet for smaller containers, and tons for weight‑based pricing.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra volume for settling and compaction.
- Round up to the nearest whole cubic yard when ordering bulk bags.
- Order soil in a mix of bulk and bagged sizes to fit delivery constraints.
- Double‑check depth conversion (inches ÷ 12) before entering the value.
Real-life examples
- A homeowner plans a 4 × 8 ft raised bed 6 in deep and needs to know how many cubic yards to order.
- A community garden coordinator orders soil for multiple beds and wants a quick weight estimate for budgeting.
- A landscaper compares suppliers by calculating tons needed for a new patio border.
Case study
Maria entered a 10 ft × 6 ft bed with a 8 in depth, got 1.18 cubic yards (≈1.5 tons), ordered exactly that amount, and saved $45 by avoiding an over‑order.