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Soil Volume Calculator

Calculate cubic feet and cubic yards of soil needed for raised beds, pots, and containers of various shapes.

Container Shape

Rectangular
Raised beds, boxes
Circular
Round pots, barrels
Tapered Pot
Flower pots, planters
L-Shaped
Corner beds

Dimensions

Enter the overall dimensions and the cutout dimensions for the L-shape.

Quantity

Results update as you type.

How It Works

The calculator computes the interior volume of your container based on its shape and dimensions, then converts the result to both cubic feet and cubic yards for easy purchasing.

Rectangular Beds

The most common raised bed shape. Volume is calculated by multiplying length, width, and depth.

Volume = Length × Width × Depth

Circular Containers

For round pots, barrels, and circular raised beds. Uses the standard cylinder volume formula.

Volume = π × (Diameter / 2)² × Depth

Tapered Pots

Most flower pots are wider at the top than the bottom. This uses the frustum (truncated cone) formula for an accurate result rather than averaging the diameters.

Volume = (π × Depth / 12) × (R² + R×r + r²)
where R = top radius, r = bottom radius

L-Shaped Beds

Corner beds are calculated by subtracting the rectangular cutout from the overall rectangle.

Volume = (Overall Area − Cutout Area) × Depth

Soil Bag Reference

Bag Size Volume (ft³) Volume (L) Typical Use
Small bag0.514Small pots, top dressing
Standard bag1.028Medium containers
Large bag1.542Multiple pots, small beds
Extra large bag2.057Raised beds
Bulk bag3.085Large raised beds
Cubic yard (bulk)27.0765Multiple large beds

Tips for Filling Containers

Save on Soil

  • For beds deeper than 12", fill the bottom with logs, branches, or straw (hügelkultur method)
  • Use landscape fabric at the base to prevent soil loss
  • Mix in compost (20–30% by volume) for better drainage and nutrients
  • Buy in bulk (cubic yards) for large projects to save money

Soil Settling

  • Fresh soil settles 10–20% after watering
  • Order 10–15% extra to account for settling
  • Water thoroughly after filling to settle soil before planting
  • Top off beds annually as organic matter decomposes

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