Free Tool
Free excavation calculator
Enter length, width, and depth to get the cubic yards to dig, the loose yards to haul with soil swell, and the truckloads. Free, no signup.
Dug soil expands 15-30%; use it for hauling
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Dig one number, haul another
The hole and the pile are not the same size, and that trips people up on excavation. This calculator gives you both, so you order dig time on one number and dump fees on the other.
Cubic yards to dig is the in-ground, or bank, volume: length times width times depth, divided by 27. That is what you are removing from the ground and what sets the machine time.
Soil swells the moment you dig it. A yard in the ground becomes more than a yard in the truck, usually 15 to 30 percent more depending on the material. Rock and heavy clay swell more than sand. The loose yards line adds your swell factor, and that is the number to use for hauling, truck counts, and dump tickets.
Truckloads assume a 10 yard tandem, so bump it to match your trucks. For backfill or base going the other way, remember compaction shrinks it, so order a little extra of what goes back in.
Excavation Calculator questions
How do I calculate excavation volume?
Multiply length by width by depth in feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. The calculator does it and adds soil swell for hauling.
What is soil swell?
Dug soil takes up more space than it did in the ground, usually 15 to 30 percent more. Use the loose yards figure for trucks and dump fees.
How many truckloads is that?
The calculator divides the loose yards by a 10 yard tandem. Adjust for the size of your trucks.
Is this really free?
Yes. No email, no signup, and nothing you type leaves your browser.
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Disclaimer: These free tools and templates are provided for general information and estimating purposes only. All results — including quantities, material and cost estimates, load, sizing, and span figures, scores, and any guidance or warnings — are rough approximations that may not fit your specific project, site conditions, local building codes, or current prices. They are not engineering, architectural, structural, legal, financial, or other professional advice, and are not a substitute for a licensed engineer, architect, contractor, or other qualified professional. Always confirm quantities, sizing, and structural, electrical, mechanical, and code requirements with a licensed professional and your local authority having jurisdiction before purchasing materials or performing any work. Werx makes no warranty as to accuracy and accepts no liability for any decision made using these tools. Use at your own risk. See our Terms of Service.