Depth of soil to remove (excavation).
Depth of fill material needed.
Standard dump truck holds 10 to 14 cu yd.
Your Results
Enter site dimensions and click calculate.
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What This Calculator Does
This excavation and earthwork volume calculator helps contractors, civil engineers, and site supervisors estimate cut and fill quantities for grading projects. It calculates both the in-place (bank) volume and the hauling volume after applying soil swell factors. The tool also estimates the number of truck loads required to remove or import material, helping you plan logistics and budget for hauling costs accurately.
The Formula
The basic volume is calculated in cubic feet (length times width times depth) and converted to cubic yards by dividing by 27. When soil is excavated, it expands (swells) because air voids are introduced. The swell factor accounts for this expansion. Common earth swells approximately 25%, meaning 1 cubic yard in the ground becomes 1.25 cubic yards on the truck. The net earthwork determines whether material needs to be exported (hauled away) or imported (brought in).
Step-by-Step Example
Measure the site dimensions
Enter the length and width of the area to be graded. Example: 100 ft long by 50 ft wide.
Determine cut and fill depths
Average cut depth is 3 ft (material to remove). Average fill depth is 1 ft (material to add). These may come from a grading plan or site survey.
Select soil type
Choose common earth (25% swell) for typical residential grading. Clay and rock have higher swell factors.
Review results
Cut: 555.6 cu yd. Fill: 185.2 cu yd. Net export: 370.4 cu yd. After 25% swell: 463.0 cu yd to haul. At 12 cu yd per truck: 39 loads.
Real-World Use Cases
Residential Site Grading
Calculate earthwork for new home construction including foundation excavation, backfill, and final grade.
Parking Lot Construction
Estimate cut and fill for parking lot subgrade preparation before base course and paving.
Hauling Cost Estimation
Use truck load counts to estimate hauling costs by multiplying loads by the per-load rate from your trucking subcontractor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using in-place (bank) volume for hauling estimates. Always apply the swell factor because excavated soil takes up more space than it did in the ground.
Not accounting for compaction when calculating fill requirements. Imported fill must be compacted, which reduces its volume by the shrinkage factor (typically 10% to 15%).
Assuming uniform depth across the entire site. Real sites have varying grades. Use the average method for estimates and cross-section method for detailed takeoffs.
Forgetting topsoil stripping before starting cut and fill operations. Topsoil is typically stripped 6 to 12 inches deep and stockpiled separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accuracy and Disclaimer
Earthwork calculations are estimates based on simplified rectangular geometry and average depths. Actual site conditions, soil types, moisture content, and compaction requirements will affect quantities. This tool is for preliminary estimation. Use detailed survey data and cross-section analysis for bid-level takeoffs. Consult a licensed civil engineer for grading design.
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