Potting Soil & Garden Bed Volume Calculator

Estimate the soil volume and number of bags required for your containers.

Enter your container's shape and dimensions to calculate the total soil volume needed. Supports multiple shapes and unit conversions.

Examples

See how to use the Potting Soil Calculator for different container types.

Rectangular Raised Bed

Rectangular Raised Bed

A 120cm x 60cm x 30cm raised bed. Soil bags are 50L each.

Shape: Rectangular (Box)

Length: 120 cm

Width: 60 cm

Height/Depth: 30 cm

Unit: Centimeter (cm)

Soil Bag Volume: 50

Bag Unit: Liter (L)

Number of Containers: 1

Large Round Pot

Large Round Pot

A round pot with 40cm diameter and 35cm height. Soil bags are 20L each.

Shape: Cylindrical (Round Pot)

Diameter: 40 cm

Height/Depth: 35 cm

Unit: Centimeter (cm)

Soil Bag Volume: 20

Bag Unit: Liter (L)

Number of Containers: 1

Tapered Planter

Tapered Planter

A conical planter with 30cm top diameter, 20cm base diameter, and 25cm height. Soil bags are 10L each.

Shape: Conical (Tapered Pot)

Diameter: 30 cm

Diameter: 20 cm

Height/Depth: 25 cm

Unit: Centimeter (cm)

Soil Bag Volume: 10

Bag Unit: Liter (L)

Number of Containers: 1

Half-Sphere Bowl

Half-Sphere Bowl

A hemispherical bowl with 50cm diameter. Soil bags are 25L each.

Shape: Hemispherical (Half Sphere)

Diameter: 50 cm

Height/Depth: 25 cm

Unit: Centimeter (cm)

Soil Bag Volume: 25

Bag Unit: Liter (L)

Number of Containers: 1

Other Titles
Understanding Potting Soil Calculations: A Comprehensive Guide
Everything you need to know about calculating soil volume for containers and garden beds.

What is a Potting Soil Calculator?

  • Definition and Purpose
  • Why Accurate Soil Calculation Matters
  • Common Use Cases
A potting soil calculator is a tool designed to help gardeners, landscapers, and hobbyists determine the exact amount of soil required for various containers, planters, or garden beds. By entering the dimensions and shape of your container, you can avoid over- or under-buying soil, saving both money and effort.
Why Use a Soil Calculator?

Practical Scenarios

  • Filling a new raised bed for vegetables.
  • Repotting houseplants into larger containers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Potting Soil Calculator

  • Selecting the Container Shape
  • Entering Dimensions and Units
  • Interpreting the Results
Start by choosing the shape that best matches your container. Enter the internal dimensions (length, width, height, diameter, etc.) and select the appropriate units. The calculator will instantly provide the total soil volume and the number of soil bags needed.
Tips for Accurate Measurement

Measurement Tips

  • Measuring the internal, not external, dimensions of your pot.
  • Rounding up the number of soil bags to ensure full coverage.

Real-World Applications of Potting Soil Calculations

  • Home Gardening
  • Landscaping Projects
  • Commercial Horticulture
Whether you're a home gardener or a professional landscaper, knowing the exact soil volume needed helps with budgeting, planning, and achieving optimal plant growth. This calculator is also useful for commercial growers and greenhouse managers.
Who Benefits from Soil Calculators?

Application Examples

  • Planning a rooftop garden with multiple planters.
  • Estimating soil needs for a community garden project.

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Ignoring Soil Compaction
  • Confusing Internal and External Dimensions
  • Overlooking Bag Volume Differences
Many gardeners make mistakes by not accounting for soil compaction, using external instead of internal measurements, or assuming all soil bags are the same size. This section clarifies these misconceptions and provides best practices for accurate calculation.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Best Practices

  • Double-checking bag volume before purchase.
  • Factoring in soil settling over time.

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • Volume Formulas for Different Shapes
  • Unit Conversions
  • Sample Calculations
This section explains the mathematical formulas used for each container shape and demonstrates unit conversions. Sample calculations help users understand how the results are derived.
Formulas Used

Formula Examples

  • Rectangular: V = length × width × height
  • Cylindrical: V = π × (diameter/2)^2 × height