🚜 Excavation Calculator
Enter the dig’s length, width and depth and get the in-ground volume, the soil weight, the loose (swelled) volume and how many truckloads to haul.
Enter the dig’s length, width and depth.
Volume = length × width × depth. Excavated soil bulks up (swells) about 20-30% once loose, so haul volume exceeds the hole. Density varies: dry soil ≈ 2,200 lb/yd³ (1,600 kg/m³), wet or clay soil more. 🔒 In your browser.
How the excavation calculator works
Excavation is a volume job: length × width × depth. The tool converts that into cubic yards (or cubic metres), multiplies by the soil density to estimate the weight, and applies a swell (bulking) factor because dug soil expands once loose, so the volume you haul away is bigger than the hole. Dividing the loose volume by your truck capacity gives the number of loads.
Soil swells about 20-30% when excavated (sand less, clay more), so always haul-plan on the loose volume. Density varies widely, dry soil is roughly 2,200 lb/yd³ (1,600 kg/m³), while wet soil, clay or rock is heavier. Call 811 (US) or your local utility-location service before you dig.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate excavation volume?
Multiply length × width × depth in the same unit, then convert to cubic yards (divide cubic feet by 27) or cubic metres. A 20 × 10 ft area dug 1 ft deep is 200 ft³ ÷ 27 ≈ 7.4 cubic yards.
What is soil swell or bulking?
Excavated soil expands as it is loosened, typically by 20-30%. So a 10 cubic yard hole yields roughly 12-13 cubic yards of loose spoil to haul, always size trucks and skips on the loose volume, not the in-ground volume.
How much does excavated soil weigh?
It depends on type and moisture: dry soil is about 2,200 lb per cubic yard (1,600 kg/m³), while wet soil or clay can exceed 3,000 lb/yd³. Enter your material’s density for a better weight estimate.
How many truckloads is my excavation?
Divide the loose (swelled) volume by the truck’s capacity and round up. A typical dump truck holds about 10-14 cubic yards; enter your truck size to get the load count.
Do I need to call before digging?
Yes, always locate buried utilities first. In the US call 811, and elsewhere use your national utility-location service, before any excavation. This tool estimates volume only, not site safety.
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