Plan raised beds with accurate soil totals. See volume and weight instantly. Download clear summaries for every garden job.
| Use case | Shape | Size | Depth | Density | Estimated weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raised bed refill | Rectangle | 2.4 m × 1.2 m | 20 cm | Garden soil (1400 kg/m³) | ~806 kg |
| Round planter top-up | Circle | 1.5 m diameter | 15 cm | Potting mix (500 kg/m³) | ~66 kg |
| Leveling a small lawn area | Rectangle | 5.0 m × 3.0 m | 5 cm | Topsoil (1200 kg/m³) | ~900 kg |
Bulk density is the mass of dry soil per cubic meter, including pore space. Typical garden blends range from 1,200–1,600 kg/m³, while sandy and gravelly materials can exceed 1,700 kg/m³. Selecting the closest preset improves planning for deliveries, wheelbarrow trips, and raised-bed load limits. If your supplier provides density, enter it as a custom value for the most reliable estimate.
The calculator converts all dimensions to meters, then computes area and volume. Rectangle beds use length × width; circular beds use π × radius². Depth is the thickness of soil you intend to add, not the total bed height. Small depth changes matter: adding 5 cm over 15 m² equals 0.75 m³, which can be over a metric ton with heavier soils.
Soil weight changes after rain, irrigation, or mixing. Moisture adjustment models heavier wet soil by multiplying by a percentage factor. Compaction covers settling from tamping, traffic, or vibration during transport. For fresh, fluffy mixes, keep compaction low. For backfilled trenches or heavily tamped beds, a 5–15% compaction factor better matches real-world behavior.
Real projects lose material to edging, leveling, spillage, and uneven subgrades. The waste percentage increases the calculated volume before weight is applied. For tidy beds with straight borders, 5% is often adequate. For lawn topdressing, grading, or irregular shapes, 8–12% reduces the risk of short orders and extra delivery fees.
Use kilograms or pounds for lifting and small transport, and tons for deliveries. If the estimate exceeds manual handling limits, split the job into smaller loads or stage deliveries closer to the work area. Compare presets to understand how choosing compost or potting mix can cut weight significantly. Always confirm vehicle payload ratings and local delivery constraints before ordering. These estimates support budgeting, scheduling, and selecting the right containers, tools, and help for homeowners.
Start with the closest preset to your material. Garden soil often sits near 1,400 kg/m³, while potting mixes are much lighter. If your supplier lists density, use the custom option.
No. Depth is the thickness of soil you plan to add or replace. For topping up, use only the added layer, such as 5–10 cm, not the entire bed frame height.
Moisture increases weight after rain or irrigation. Compaction reflects settling during transport or tamping. Use small values for loose mixes and higher values for packed fills or heavily tamped areas.
Waste accounts for spillage, trimming, edging, and uneven subgrade. For straight beds, 5% is common. For grading and topdressing, 8–12% helps avoid ordering short.
Yes. Use the adjusted volume result and divide by your wheelbarrow capacity in cubic meters. Then check the weight result to keep each trip within safe handling limits.
It is an estimate based on geometry and bulk density. Real soils vary by texture, organic content, and water. Treat the output as planning guidance and verify with supplier data for large orders.
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.