Soil Volume Calculator: measuring notes and method
Measure freeboard separately
The top of the bed wall may sit above the intended soil level. Use the actual fill depth rather than assuming the whole wall height is filled.
Estimate several beds explicitly
Use Quantity only for identical beds. Save different sizes separately and combine volumes before discussing delivery. Settling and product condition need their own consideration rather than being assumed from bed height.
Formula
Volume = length × width × depth × quantity. Order volume = volume × (1 + waste ÷ 100).
Worked examples in metric and imperial units
Illustrative values match Reset example and stay fixed when you edit the calculator. Both columns describe the same calculation; converted inputs are rounded.
Metric worked example
- Length
- 6 m
- Width
- 4 m
- Depth / thickness
- 400 mm
- Quantity
- 1
- Waste allowance
- 10 %
Soil volume to order: 10.56 m³
Imperial worked example
- Length
- 19.685 ft
- Width
- 13.1234 ft
- Depth / thickness
- 15.748 in
- Quantity
- 1
- Waste allowance
- 10 %
Soil volume to order: 13.812 yd³
Follow the calculation
Lengths in this working are in metres.
- Measured volume = 6 × 4 × 0.4 × 1 = 9.6 m³.
- Allowance multiplier = 1 + 10 ÷ 100 = 1.1.
- Volume with allowance = 9.6 × 1.1 m³.
Unit conversions
1 m³ = 1,000 L ≈ 1.30795 yd³. One cubic yard is 27 ft³.
Reviewed 19 October 2026. How calculations are checked · Report a correction