Last updated: November 19, 2025
Soil calculator explained
Raised beds and landscaping projects require translating bed dimensions into cubic yards or cubic meters of mix, plus estimating how heavy the load will be and how much it will cost. This calculator multiplies length, width, and depth to find volume, applies bulk density to get mass, and then adds any price-per-volume or price-per-mass quotes you supply to return a total budget.
How the conversion works
- Area:
- Volume:
- Mass: where is bulk density.
- Cost: (either term can be zero if you only price one way).
All inputs can be in metric or imperial units; the calculator handles conversions internally.
Units and conversions
| Quantity | Units | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Length, width | m, ft | Convert automatically to match the chosen volume unit. |
| Depth | m, cm, in | Typical raised beds use 0.2-0.4 m. |
| Volume | m³, yd³ | 1 yd³ = 0.7646 m³. |
| Density | kg/m³ | Garden mixes often range 1,000-1,400 kg/m³. |
| Mass | kg, ton, lb | Helps check truck payload limits. |
| Price inputs | currency per unit | Enter one or both; blank values are treated as zero. |
Worked examples
- Metric raised bed
2.4 m x 1.2 m bed at 0.30 m depth, density 1,200 kg/m³.
Mass kg (about 1.14 US tons).
- Volume pricing
Volume 1.13 yd³ priced at per cubic yard. Cost dollars.
Tips and pitfalls
- Add 10-15% extra volume for settling, especially when using fluffy compost-heavy mixes.
- Use field-moist density when estimating truck loads; dry lab values can understate weight.
- When pricing by mass, confirm whether the supplier quotes per US ton (2,000 lb) or metric tonne (1,000 kg).
- If you line beds with hardscape, subtract the liner thickness from the inside dimensions so you do not overfill.