Raised garden bed planner

Fill raised beds without buying too much soil.

Enter the inside dimensions and fill depth to estimate soil volume, bag count, weight, and bulk quantity.

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Step 1

What are you filling?

More shapes
Measure this shape Raised bed

Use the inside dimensions and the actual depth you plan to fill with soil.

Diagram not to scale
Step 2

Enter your measurements

Quick depth presets
Step 3

Add a waste allowance

The suggested allowance reflects the selected bed shape.

Your estimate

Purchase summary

A reliable estimate in four steps

Measure once. See the math. Buy with confidence.

  1. 1
    Choose the project shape

    Select the geometry that best matches the area you plan to fill.

  2. 2
    Enter measured dimensions

    Use US or metric units and adjust individual fields when needed.

  3. 3
    Review the waste allowance

    Use the project suggestion or enter a value that matches site conditions.

  4. 4
    Compare purchase options

    Use the recommended bag count or bulk quote quantity as a starting point.

Planning guidance

Common topsoil estimate questions.

How much soil do I need for a 4×8 raised bed?

A 4×8 bed filled 12 inches deep needs about 32 cubic feet, or 1.19 cubic yards, before adding a settling allowance.

Should a raised bed be filled completely with topsoil?

Usually no. A blended raised-bed mix with topsoil, compost, and aeration material drains better than dense topsoil alone. Confirm the mix with your supplier.

How much extra topsoil should I order?

A 5–10% allowance is a practical starting point for settling, uneven grades, and measurement error. Use 10–15% for irregular areas or uncertain depths.

Should I buy topsoil in bags or in bulk?

Bags are convenient for small repairs and a few planters. Around half a cubic yard, compare prices. For one cubic yard or more, bulk delivery is usually easier and more economical.