Plan beds fast with accurate garden area estimates. Compare shapes, units, and planting density instantly. Grow smarter by matching soil volume to every plot.
| Bed type | Dimensions | Count | Usable % | Estimated area (ft²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rectangle bed | 8 ft × 4 ft | 3 | 100% | 96.00 |
| Round bed | Diameter 6 ft | 1 | 90% | 25.45 |
| Irregular bed | 10 ft × 6 ft, factor 0.75 | 1 | 85% | 38.25 |
Growing area is the foundation for planting plans, soil purchases, and irrigation sizing. A small error scales quickly when you multiply beds, add pathways, or repeat the same design across a yard. This calculator keeps each assumption visible: bed shape, bed count, usable percentage, and walkway allowance.
Garden projects often mix units: bed dimensions in feet, spacing in inches, and bulk soil in cubic yards. The calculator converts all dimensions to meters internally, then reports area in your chosen unit (m², ft², yd², acres, or hectares). This avoids rounding drift when switching between units.
Usable area accounts for edging, drip lines, borders, and access zones within the bed. If a bed is fully plantable, keep it at 100%. If corners are cut, reduce it to 80–95%. Walkway allowance estimates extra footprint around beds; for example, 20% adds one-fifth more space beyond the bed total.
Plant capacity is estimated from planting density: plants ≈ usable area ÷ (row spacing × plant spacing). This is a planning number, not a rule. Leafy greens may use tighter spacing, while tomatoes and squash need more. Adjust spacing until the plant count aligns with your crop plan.
Soil volume is calculated from usable area and depth, then increased by a waste/settling percentage. Raised beds commonly settle after watering, and bulk deliveries can vary. Adding 5–15% is typical for compost and blends. The calculator reports volume in m³, liters, and yd³ so you can match local supplier packaging.
Use either one. If you enter both, the calculator uses radius first. Diameter is automatically treated as radius ÷ 2 during the area calculation, so results remain consistent.
It estimates extra space around your beds for paths and access. It does not reduce bed area; it expands the overall footprint so you can plan layout, edging, and circulation.
Start with 0.80 for rounded corners or curved edges. Use 0.90–1.00 if the bed is close to rectangular. Use 0.60–0.75 for strong curves or cutouts. Measure and refine after a test layout.
Plant count depends on usable area and spacing. Reduce spacing for dense crops, increase usable percent, or verify units. Also remember pathways do not add plantable area; they only add footprint.
Use the planned fill depth for raised beds, or the improved soil layer depth for in-ground beds. For many vegetables, 6–12 inches is common, while deep-rooted crops may benefit from more.
For bulk soil or compost, 5–15% is often practical. Use a higher value if you expect compaction, spillage, or uneven beds. Use 0% only if you are measuring finished, compacted depth precisely.
Yes. After calculating, use Download CSV for a structured record of inputs and results. Use Download PDF to save a one-page summary for suppliers, installers, or project notes.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.