Agriculture & Ecology

Potting Soil Calculator

Free potting soil calculator. Calculate exactly how much soil you need for containers, planters, raised beds, and pots in quarts, gallons, or cubic feet.

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Calculate Potting Soil for Any Container

Whether you're filling a small flower pot, a window box planter, or a large raised garden bed, knowing exactly how much soil you need prevents waste and ensures you buy the right amount. Our calculator supports rectangular, round, and tapered containers with results in quarts, gallons, and cubic feet.

How Soil Volume is Calculated

Soil volume depends on your container's shape. For rectangular containers, multiply length × width × depth. For round pots, use πr²h. Tapered pots require the frustum formula. Our calculator handles all shapes and converts between common units including quarts (the standard for bagged soil) and cubic feet.

Volume Formulas

Rectangular: V = L × W × D | Round: V = πr²h | Tapered: V = πh(r₁² + r₁r₂ + r₂²)/3

Why Calculate Soil Volume?

Buy the Right Amount

Avoid multiple trips to the store or having excess soil sitting around.

Save Money

Bulk soil is cheaper per cubic foot than bags. Know your total needs before buying.

Plan Your Budget

Calculate total costs before starting your container garden project.

How to Measure Your Containers

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Common Container Gardening Needs

Raised Bed Gardens

Calculate cubic yards for large beds that may need bulk delivery.

Patio Container Gardens

Determine quarts needed for a collection of decorative pots.

Window Boxes

Calculate soil for long, narrow planters mounted under windows.

Grow Bags

Fill fabric grow bags for vegetables, herbs, or flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are approximately 25.7 dry quarts in a cubic foot. A standard 40-quart bag equals about 1 cubic foot.