Soil & Fill Calculator
Calculate cubic yards of topsoil, garden soil, or compost for raised beds, gardens, and fill projects.
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How to Calculate Soil Volume
Multiply length x width for area. Multiply area by depth in feet for cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. For irregularly shaped beds, divide into rectangles and add together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much soil for a raised bed?
A 1.2 x 2.4 m (4 x 8 ft) bed at 300 mm (12 in) deep needs about 0.9 m³ (1.2 cubic yards). A 1.2 x 1.2 m (4 x 4 ft) bed at the same depth needs about 0.45 m³.
How much does soil weigh?
Topsoil: about 1.2 tonnes per cubic metre (2,000 lbs/cubic yard). Garden mix: about 1.1 t/m³. Compost is lighter at roughly 0.6 t/m³.
How much does topsoil cost?
Bagged topsoil: $3-$7 per 40 lb bag. Bulk delivery: $20-$50 per cubic yard ($25-$65 per m³). Screened topsoil costs more but is weed-free. A typical raised bed (4x8 ft, 12 in deep) costs $35-$80 in bulk soil.
What's the difference between topsoil, garden soil, and compost?
Topsoil is native earth — good for filling and grading. Garden soil/mix is topsoil blended with compost and perlite — ideal for planting. Compost is fully decomposed organic matter — use as a soil amendment (top 2-3 inches), not a standalone fill.
How deep should soil be for a raised bed?
Minimum 150 mm (6 in) for herbs and shallow-rooted crops. 200-300 mm (8-12 in) for most vegetables. 300-450 mm (12-18 in) for root crops like carrots and potatoes. Deeper beds drain better and give roots more room.