01
Raised bed volume
We convert the soil depth from inches to feet, then multiply length × width × depth. For multiple beds, we calculate each bed separately and add the cubic-foot results.
Cubic feet = length (ft) × width (ft) × [depth (in) ÷ 12]
Transparent calculations
How Yard Supply Planner calculates your result
We separate formula-based math from gardening guidance. You can see the conversion, rounding, and cost rules used by the calculator below.
02
Cubic feet to cubic yards
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. We keep full precision during calculations and round only the number shown on screen.
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
03
Whole soil bags
Stores sell whole bags, so a partial bag is always rounded up. This prevents the bag count from showing less volume than the plan requires.
Bags required = round up [required cubic feet ÷ bag size]
04
Optional allowance
The calculator first shows the measured volume. If you select an allowance, that percentage is added only to the buying volume. We do not present any allowance as a universal recommendation.
Buying volume = calculated volume × [1 + allowance ÷ 100]
Cost comparison
Comparing bags with bulk delivery
Bagged soil total
We multiply the whole number of required bags by the price you enter for one bag.
Bag total = bag count × price per bag
Bulk soil total
We price the larger of your required cubic yards or the supplier minimum, then add the delivery fee.
Bulk total = order yards × yard price + delivery
Local suppliers may use different bag sizes, minimum orders, quantity increments, delivery zones, and fees. Treat the comparison as an estimate and confirm the final order with the supplier.
Gardening guidance policy
Gardening recommendations require reviewed sources.
The calculator asks you to enter soil depth directly. Our planning guides cite reviewed US University Extension, USDA, and other public sources. Guidance includes the conditions and limitations of the source; it is not a recommendation that fits every garden or product.
Read the raised-bed depth guide →How weight references are used
Weight equals volume multiplied by a density in matching units. Weight guides distinguish mathematical conversions from source-specific material estimates. A dry-soil density does not include the water in a delivered load, and a compost reference does not establish the density of a soil-compost blend. We retain full calculation precision and round for display.
Use supplier information for the actual material and its condition when weight matters. See the cubic-yard soil weight guide and the compost weight references for sources and worked examples.
Ready to calculate?
Use your own measurements and local prices.