Soil volume calculator and cost planning

Accurately calculating soil volume before building prevents expensive mid-project trips to the garden center. Formula: Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft) = cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards (the standard bulk delivery unit). Common volumes: 4x8 bed at 10 inches deep = 26.7 cu ft (1.0 cubic yard). 4x8 at 12 inches = 32 cu ft (1.2 cubic yards). 4x8 at 18 inches = 48 cu ft (1.8 cubic yards). 3x6 at 12 inches = 18 cu ft (0.67 cubic yards). Add 10-15% extra for settling. Cost planning: bulk topsoil/compost blend runs $30-60 per cubic yard delivered; Mel's Mix ingredients cost approximately $5-10 per cubic foot; commercial bagged mixes run $8-15 per cubic foot. For a single 4x8x12 bed: bulk blend costs roughly $50-75 total, Mel's Mix roughly $160-320, commercial bags roughly $260-480. Bulk delivery is dramatically cheaper but typically requires a minimum order of 1-3 cubic yards. Consider sharing a bulk delivery with neighbors to reach minimums and split costs.