Raised Bed Soil Volume Calculator
Rectangular Bed
Calculate soil for a standard rectangular raised bed
Circular/Round Bed
Calculate soil for round or circular raised beds
Multiple Beds
Calculate total soil for several raised beds
Formula
Rectangular: Volume = Length × Width × (Depth/12) cu ft | Circular: Volume = π × r² × (Depth/12) cu ft | Cubic Yards = Cu Ft / 27
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should raised bed soil be?
Most vegetables need 12 inches of soil depth. Shallow-rooted crops (lettuce, herbs, radishes) need 6-8 inches. Deep-rooted crops (tomatoes, carrots, potatoes) need 12-18 inches. A standard 12-inch depth works for most gardens.
What is the best soil mix for raised beds?
A proven mix is 50% topsoil, 30% compost, and 20% perlite or vermiculite. For square foot gardening, Mel's Mix (1/3 compost, 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 vermiculite) is popular. Always use multiple compost sources for diverse nutrition.
How much will the soil settle after filling?
New raised bed soil typically settles 10-20% within the first growing season. Overfill by 10-15% initially and top off with compost each spring. Settled soil is normal and healthy as organic matter decomposes.
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