Reviewed by Specialty Soils Updated August 24, 2026
Direct answer
Measure the inside length × inside width × desired soil depth. Calculate each bed or section and combine the cubic-yard total.
Measure the inside of the bed
Use internal length, internal width, and the actual depth you intend to fill. Thick timbers, block walls, and outside dimensions can overstate the usable volume.
- Measure each bed separately.
- Record the desired finished soil depth—not automatically the full board height.
- Account for usable soil already present.
- Calculate irregular sections separately and combine them.
- Keep any deliberate ordering allowance separate from the geometric amount.
New fill and refresh use different inputs
| Bed condition | What to calculate | What to decide next |
|---|---|---|
| Mostly empty new bed | Missing complete root-zone volume | Choose the appropriate complete soil. |
| Established bed with modest settling | Actual lost depth | Decide whether the need is amendment or lost volume. |
| Bed over usable native soil | Raised portion actually needed | Roots may continue below the bed. |
| Multiple beds | Each interior volume, then total | Plan pickup or delivery from the combined result. |
Use the Raised Bed Calculator and carry the result into the Raised Beds project path. Do not use the quantity calculation itself as a reason to fill the whole bed with compost.
Connected planning path
Plan the complete raised-bed project
Separate new fill, existing-bed improvement and quantity before choosing a product.