Garden Bed Calculator
Garden Bed Calculator
Compute bed area, soil volume, and a simple plant capacity from spacing.
Results appear as you type.
How to use
- Enter raised-bed outer length and width.
- Set soil depth for volume.
- Enter on-center plant spacing to estimate capacity.
Formula
area = L × W soil_cu_ft = area × (depth_in/12) plants ≈ floor((L×12)/spacing) × floor((W×12)/spacing)
Examples
8×4 bed = 32 sq ft; 8 in soil ≈ 21.33 cu ft.
12 in spacing → about 8×4 = 32 plant positions.
Assumptions
- Grid spacing ignores paths inside the bed.
- Capacity is a maximum geometric fit, not crop-specific.
FAQ
How is plant count calculated?
From bed area and spacing. Closer spacing fits more plants but needs more water and thinning.
What depth should I use for soil volume?
Use the depth you will actually fill. Many vegetable beds use 8 to 12 inches of mix.
Does this subtract paths?
No. Enter only the planted bed dimensions, not the whole yard.
Where do I get bag counts for soil?
Use the Soil calculator with the same length, width, and depth.