Raised Bed Calculator

The Raised Bed Calculator tells you exactly how much soil to buy before you build your garden bed — no guesswork, no wasted trips to the store. Select your bed shape (rectangle, square, or circle), enter the length, width, and depth, then choose a soil type to see your total soil volume in cubic yards and cubic feet, plus the number of bags needed and an estimated cost. Also try the Fence Calculator.

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We recommend 6-12 inches for most vegetables

Results

Soil Needed (Cubic Yards)

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Cubic Feet

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Bags Needed

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Estimated Cost

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Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should my raised bed be for vegetables?

Most vegetables need 6-12 inches of soil depth. Root vegetables like carrots and parsnips need deeper beds (12+ inches), while leafy greens can thrive in 6-8 inches. See also our Limestone Calculator.

What's the difference between potting mix and topsoil for raised beds?

Potting mix is lighter, drains better, and contains organic matter perfect for containers and raised beds. Topsoil is denser and better for in-ground gardens but may need amendments for raised beds.

Can I reuse old potting soil in my raised bed?

Yes, old potting soil can be refreshed by mixing in fresh compost, fertilizer, and new soil. Replace about 1/3 of the old soil with fresh amendments each season.

How much does it cost to fill a raised bed with soil?

Costs vary by soil type and location. Expect $3-8 per cubic foot for quality potting mix, or $20-60 per cubic yard for bulk soil delivery. You might also find our Fence Perimeter Calculator useful.

Should I buy bagged soil or bulk soil for my raised bed?

For beds under 4 cubic yards, bagged soil is convenient. For larger projects, bulk delivery is more economical. Bagged soil is typically higher quality and weed-free.

What's the best soil recipe for raised bed gardens?

A popular mix is 1/3 compost, 1/3 peat moss or coconut coir, and 1/3 vermiculite. You can also use quality bagged potting mix with added compost.

How often do I need to add more soil to my raised bed?

Soil settles and decomposes over time. Plan to add 2-4 inches of fresh soil or compost each growing season to maintain proper depth and fertility.

Do I need to add fertilizer when filling a new raised bed?

If using quality potting mix or compost blend, additional fertilizer isn't immediately necessary. For plain topsoil, mix in compost and balanced fertilizer before planting.