Settings
L
Common sizes: 25 L, 40 L, 50 L
$
%
%
Mix ratio (parts)
Beds
| # | Shape | Dimensions | Depth | Qty | Area | Volume |
|---|
Results
Total area
0.00 m²
Volume
0.000 m³
Bags needed
0 bags
Estimated cost
$0.00
Liters
0 L
Cubic feet
0.000 ft³
Cubic yards
0.000 yd³
Mix breakdown
Topsoil
0 L
Compost
0 L
Sand
0 L
Example data
Click Load example beds to populate the table below.
| # | Shape | Dimensions | Depth | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rectangle | Length 3, Width 1.2 | 25 cm | 2 |
| 2 | Circle | Diameter 1.5 | 20 cm | 1 |
| 3 | Annulus | Outer Ø 2.2, Inner Ø 1.0 | 18 cm | 1 |
| 4 | Area only | Area 4.0 | 30 cm | 1 |
How to use this calculator
- Select your measurement system, bag size, and costs.
- Add a bed row, choose its shape, and fill dimensions.
- Enter depth at finished grade; include waste and settling.
- Add multiple rows for different beds and quantities.
- Review totals, bag count, and cost; adjust settings if needed.
- Export a CSV for records or download a formatted PDF summary.
- Save presets to local storage; share a link with teammates.
Formulas used
- Rectangle area: A = L × W
- Circle area: A = π × (D² / 4)
- Annulus area: A = π × (Do² − Di²) / 4
- Volume: V = A × depth
- Waste/settling allowance: Vadj = V × (1 + waste%/100) × (1 + settling%/100)
- Unit conversions: 1 m³ = 1000 L = 35.3147 ft³ = 1.30795 yd³
- Bags: Bags = (Liters / bag size), rounded up
- Mix split: Component L = Total L × (part / sum of parts)
FAQs
Geometric volume is exact to your inputs. Real-world soil settles, edges curve, and ground varies. Use waste and settling percentages for realistic ordering.
Most ornamental beds use 15–30 cm (6–12 in). Deep-rooted shrubs or raised beds may need more. Follow plant recommendations and local practices.
Bag count divides total liters by chosen bag capacity. Larger bags reduce handling but may change price per liter. Update cost to compare.
Waste covers spillage and trimming. Settling accounts for post-install compaction and voids. Both multiply required volume; adjust per site conditions.
Yes. Choose “Area only,” provide area in current units, then enter depth. This suits curved borders measured from a plan or wheel.
Parts are proportional. For example, 3:1:0 splits total liters into 75% topsoil, 25% compost, 0% sand. Change parts to match your blend.
Yes. Use Rectangle for raised beds, Circle for tree rings, or Annulus for donut-shaped beds around trunks or planters.
Reference tables & guides
Recommended bed depths by plant type
| Plant type | Typical depth (cm) | Typical depth (in) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual flowers | 10–20 | 4–8 | Shallow roots; refresh with compost annually. |
| Perennials | 20–30 | 8–12 | Allow room for crowns and seasonal divisions. |
| Shrubs (small) | 30–45 | 12–18 | Deep organic layer improves establishment. |
| Bulbs | 15–25 | 6–10 | Depth varies by species; check bulb size guides. |
| Groundcovers | 8–15 | 3–6 | Even, shallow layer; consider edging for consistency. |
Bag coverage at common depths
Coverage assumes loose-fill soil. Compaction and waste reduce coverage in practice.
| Bag size (L) | 5 cm (m²) | 10 cm (m²) | 20 cm (m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 L | 0.50 | 0.25 | 0.13 |
| 40 L | 0.80 | 0.40 | 0.20 |
| 50 L | 1.00 | 0.50 | 0.25 |
| 80 L | 1.60 | 0.80 | 0.40 |
| Bag size (ft³) | 2" (ft²) | 4" (ft²) | 8" (ft²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ft³ | 6.0 | 3.0 | 1.5 |
| 1.5 ft³ | 9.0 | 4.5 | 2.25 |
| 2 ft³ | 12.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 |
| 3 ft³ | 18.0 | 9.0 | 4.5 |
Suggested soil mix ratios by application
| Use case | Topsoil : Compost : Sand (parts) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General flower beds | 3 : 1 : 0 | Rich organic layer; good moisture retention. |
| Improved drainage | 3 : 1 : 1 | Add sand to reduce waterlogging in heavy soils. |
| Seed starting/annuals | 2 : 2 : 0 | Higher compost for nutrients; keep depth shallow. |
| Bulb beds | 3 : 0.5 : 0.5 | Moderate sand to prevent rot around bulbs. |
| Container/raised beds* | 2 : 1 : 1 | *Consider lightweight amendments (perlite/bark fines). |
Typical bulk densities & mass reference
Values are approximate; moisture content and local sourcing cause significant variation.
| Material | Bulk density (kg/m³) | kg per liter | lb per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topsoil (loamy) | 1200 | 1.20 | ~2020 |
| Compost (screened) | 600 | 0.60 | ~1010 |
| Horticultural sand | 1600 | 1.60 | ~2690 |
| Peat/peat-based mix | 250 | 0.25 | ~420 |
| Wood mulch (fine) | 400 | 0.40 | ~670 |