🚜 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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