Kalkulo / Garden & Outdoor / Soil Calculator

Soil Calculator

Calculate how many cubic meters and bags of soil you need for a bed, lawn or raised bed, based on length, width and depth.

Soil volume
1.35 m³
3 × 1.5 m, 30 cm depth
Weight
1.0 t
Large bags (~1 m³)
2

How to use the soil calculator

  1. Enter the length and width of the bed or area to be filled with soil.
  2. Enter your desired soil depth — 20–30 cm is common for vegetable beds, 40+ cm for shrubs and trees.
  3. The calculator shows volume in cubic meters, approximate weight, and the number of large bags.

How the soil amount is calculated

The volume is length times width times depth, once the depth is converted from centimeters to meters:

Volume (m³) = Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 100)

Topsoil/planting soil typically weighs around 700–800 kg per cubic meter, depending on moisture and composition. A standard large bag holds roughly 1 m³.

Note: Soil settles somewhat after laying and watering, so it can be worth adding a bit of extra margin, especially for raised beds.

Frequently asked questions

How deep should the soil be in a vegetable bed?

20–30 cm (8–12 in) is common for most vegetables and flowers. Root vegetables like carrots may need deeper soil, often 30–40 cm (12–16 in).

Should I mix in compost or fertilizer?

Yes, it's common to mix compost or manure into planting soil for better nutrient content and soil structure. This calculator only computes the total volume of the soil mix.

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