How much soil does my bed need?
Calculate how much soil or mulch you need for your garden beds, based on area and desired layer depth.
For garden beds, the right layer depth matters most. Enter the area and depth to estimate the required volume.
How the calculation works
- Measure the bed in square metres.
- Enter the desired layer depth in centimetres.
- Choose the material.
- Read the required volume.
The calculation is area × depth. Actual quantities can vary with the material and compaction.
Calculator
Enter area, depth and material. The calculator shows the volume in cubic metres.
Example: With an area of 10 m² and a depth of 15 cm, you need approximately 1.50 m³ of material.
Pro tips
- Quality soil replaces regular digging – an investment for beautiful beds long-term.
- A 10-15cm mulch layer saves water and suppresses weeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much soil do I need for a raised bed?
Multiply the base area by the desired fill depth – a raised bed of 1.2 × 0.8 m at 0.6 m height needs about 0.58 m³ of soil. The calculator above handles this for any dimensions.
How thick should a mulch layer be?
For most beds, 5-8 cm of mulch is enough to retain moisture and suppress weeds. For areas prone to heavy weed growth, a thicker layer of around 10 cm can be worthwhile.
How much does a cubic meter of garden soil weigh?
Depending on composition and moisture, a cubic meter of garden soil weighs about 1,200-1,500 kg. That's useful to know if you're buying soil in bags (usually 40-50 L) rather than in bulk.
Is regular garden soil enough for a raised bed?
For the top layer, yes, but a raised bed is usually filled in layers (drainage, partly rotted material, compost, garden soil on top) so the filling settles properly over the years and stays nutrient-rich.