A USEFUL LITTLE TOOL

Container soil calculator

Work out how much potting mix your next planter needs.

Use the depth of mix, below the rim.

Your result

Choose your values and calculate. Your inputs stay on this device.

Measure inside the container

For a rectangular planter, volume in litres is length × width × fill depth in centimetres ÷ 1,000. For a straight-sided round pot, use π × radius² × fill depth ÷ 1,000. One inch equals 2.54 cm.

Plan the purchase

We multiply by the number of containers, add your chosen allowance, then round up to full bags. The extra allowance is your choice; it is not a guaranteed settling rate.

Know the limits

The round option assumes a cylinder, not a tapered flowerpot. Root balls and other contents reduce the volume available for new mix. This tool does not calculate weight or confirm whether a balcony can support a planter.

Your first container garden: a simple starting plan