Excavation Calculator
Estimate dig volume for a trench or foundation in cubic yards (both in-place (bank) and loose after swell) with the number of truck loads to haul it. Calculates in your browser.
Soil to haul (loose)
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Show the math
Bank volume is the dig; loose volume adds the swell:
bank = length × width × depth ÷ 27
loose = bank × (1 + swell%); loads = ⌈loose ÷ truck⌉
Excavated soil expands as it is loosened, often 15–30%. Add extra width for working room and shoring as the job requires. All math runs locally in your browser.
What this does
An excavation calculator estimates dig volume for a trench or foundation in cubic yards (both in-place (bank) and loose after swell) with truck loads to haul it.
How to use it
- Enter the length, width, and depth.
- Set the soil swell.
- Set the truck capacity.
- Read bank volume, loose volume, and loads.
How it works
Excavated soil expands 15–30% as it is loosened. Loose volume is what you haul; divide by truck capacity for loads.
loose volume = bank volume × (1 + swell)
Understanding your result
Two volumes matter for different reasons: the bank figure is what you dig, while the larger loose figure, swollen 15 to 30 percent as soil is broken up, is what you actually haul away. Add room for working space and over-dig beyond the bare dimensions, and always have utilities located before you break ground, since hitting a line is dangerous and costly.
Example
A 20×3×4 ft trench is about 8.9 bank cubic yards.
Sources & methodology
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
What is soil swell?
Excavated soil expands as it is loosened, often 15–30%. Bank volume is in-place; loose volume is what you actually haul away.
How many truck loads will I need?
Divide the loose volume by the truck capacity and round up. A typical dump truck carries about 10–14 cubic yards.
Does it account for over-dig?
No, it uses your entered dimensions. Add extra width for working room and shoring as the job requires.
Do you store my numbers?
No. Everything is calculated locally in your browser.
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