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Soil Calculator

Calculate how much soil you need for beds, raised beds or new landscaping

m²
cm
🇩🇰 All calculations are based on Danish rules, rates, and currency (DKK). This calculator is translated for convenience but applies exclusively to Denmark.

Calculate soil for your garden

Our soil calculator helps you determine exactly how much soil to buy for your beds, raised beds or new landscaping. The calculator gives you volume, weight and number of standard bags so you can easily order the right amount.

How much does garden soil weigh?

Garden soil typically weighs about 1,200 kg per cubic metre, but can vary from 1,000-1,400 kg depending on moisture and soil type. Dry topsoil is lighter than moist clay soil. When ordering soil in bulk bags or loose delivery, knowing the weight helps you assess whether your driveway or vehicle can handle it.

Types of garden soil

Several types of garden soil are available: planting soil (general use), topsoil (nutrient-rich), compost soil (for beds and vegetable gardens) and specialist soil for acid-loving plants like rhododendrons and azaleas. Choose the right soil type based on your plants' needs.

Ordering tips

Soil is typically sold in 40-litre bags at hardware stores or as bulk bags (1 m³) for larger needs. For areas over 10 m², bulk bags are often more cost-effective. Remember to calculate about 10% extra as soil settles after spreading.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much soil do you need for a bed?

It depends on the bed size and soil layer thickness. A typical thickness for a new bed is 20-30 cm. Multiply the area by thickness (in metres) to find volume in cubic metres. Example: A 10 m² bed with 20 cm of soil = 2 m³ = about 2,400 kg = 50 bags of 40 litres.

Is it cheaper to buy soil in bulk bags?

Yes, a bulk bag (about 1 m³) is typically significantly cheaper per litre than 40-litre bags. A bulk bag costs around 500-800 DKK, while 25 bags of 40 litres (= 1 m³) can cost 1,000-1,500 DKK. For needs over 0.5 m³, bulk bags or loose delivery are recommended.

Which type of soil should I choose?

For general use in beds, choose planting soil. For vegetable gardens, compost soil is ideal as it is rich in nutrients. For acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, choose ericaceous soil with low pH. For lawns, a mix of topsoil and sand is optimal. Always ask at the garden centre if in doubt.

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