Soil for a 4x8 Raised Bed 10 Inches Deep
A raised bed 4 by 8 feet and 10 inches tall holds 26.7 cubic feet. How much soil for a 4x8 raised bed 10 inches deep in bags: 14 two-cubic-foot bags. In bulk: about 0.99 cubic yards.
Volume and tonnage calculator →The math
- Volume: 4 × 8 × (10 ÷ 12) = 26.7 cu ft.
- Cubic yards: 26.7 ÷ 27 = 0.99 yd³.
- Bags: 26.7 ÷ 2 = 14 bags (2 cu ft), or ÷ 1.5 = 18 bags (1.5 cu ft).
The topsoil calculator handles any bed size.
Related: Soil for a 4x8 Raised Bed 12 Inches Deep
Soil for a 4x8 bed at other depths
| Depth | Cubic feet | Cubic yards | 2 cu ft bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 in | 16.0 | 0.59 | 8 |
| 8 in | 21.3 | 0.79 | 11 |
| 10 in | 26.7 | 0.99 | 14 |
| 12 in | 32.0 | 1.19 | 16 |
| 18 in | 48.0 | 1.78 | 24 |
| 24 in | 64.0 | 2.37 | 32 |
Bags or bulk?
Bulk soil is usually cheaper per cubic yard than bags once you pass roughly 1 yard. At 0.99 yards, bags are simpler. Fill several beds at once to make a delivery worthwhile.
Related: Soil for a 4x8 Raised Bed 18 Inches Deep
A good raised bed mix
Many gardeners blend topsoil with compost, around 50 to 60 percent topsoil. The compost adds nutrients and keeps the mix loose. Bagged potting soil alone is light and can dry out fast in a deep bed.
Settling
New soil settles, often by 10 to 20 percent in the first season. Overfill slightly or plan to top up with compost next spring. Line the bottom with cardboard to smother grass instead of digging it out.
Checking quality
Squeeze a handful: quality topsoil holds together loosely and breaks apart, rather than forming a sticky ball of clay or falling apart like sand. Avoid soil that smells sour or contains debris.
Common mistakes
Many people underestimate settling, so beds end up low by the second season. Others pile soil or mulch against tree trunks and siding, which invites rot and insects. Wet, sticky soil should wait for a drier day before spreading.
Questions people ask
How many bags of soil for a 4x8 raised bed?
About 14 bags of 2 cubic feet at 10 inches deep.
How many cubic feet in a 4x8x10 inch bed?
26.7 cubic feet.
How many yards of soil for a 4x8 raised bed?
About 0.99 cubic yards at 10 inches deep.
What soil mix is best for raised beds?
Topsoil blended with compost, roughly 60/40, is a common starting point.
Will raised bed soil settle?
Yes, often 10 to 20 percent in the first season.
Related guides
- How Much Does a Yard of Topsoil Cover?
- How Many Bags of Topsoil in a Yard? Size Chart
- Fill Dirt vs Topsoil: Differences, Uses and Tons to Order
- How Much Does a Yard of Dirt Weigh? Topsoil, Fill, Clay
- Soil for a 4x8 Raised Bed 6 Inches Deep
- Soil for a 4x8 Raised Bed 8 Inches Deep
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