Berm Volume Calculator
Estimate soil for straight trapezoidal berms using length, top width, base width, height, berm quantity, compaction allowance, density and truck capacity.
Default project preview
100 yd³
Compacted berm volume
83.33 yd³
Cross-section area
22.5 ft²
Estimated loose weight
120 US tons
Full-truck capacity
108 yd³
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Input and output guide
What each value means
The labels and units below are part of this calculator’s visible methodology. Replace every default with measurements or product data from the actual project.
Berm length
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 100 ft.
Top width
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 3 ft.
Base width
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 12 ft.
Average berm height
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 3 ft.
Number of equal berms
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 1. Minimum: 1.
Compaction and grading allowance
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 20 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 50.
Loose fill density
Enter this project assumption in ton/yd³. The current imperial default is 1.2 ton/yd³.
Fill capacity per truck
Enter this project assumption in yd³. The current imperial default is 12 yd³.
Delivered fill price
Enter this project assumption in per yd³. The current imperial default is 28 per yd³. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Compacted berm volume
trapezoidal finished shape. Default preview: 83.33 yd³.
Cross-section area
(top width + base width) ÷ 2 × height. Default preview: 22.5 ft².
Estimated loose weight
using editable density. Default preview: 120 US tons.
Full-truck capacity
rounded upward. Default preview: 108 yd³.
Modeled side run each side
symmetric trapezoid assumption. Default preview: 4.5 ft.
Estimated delivered fill cost
modeled loose order volume. Default preview: $2,800.00.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Cross-section area = (top width + base width) ÷ 2 × height. Multiply by length and berm count, then add the entered compaction and grading allowance.
FAQ
Berm Volume Calculator questions
Why is the berm modeled as a trapezoid?+
A trapezoid represents a flat or rounded working top with sloped sides using simple measurable widths. Irregular profiles should be split into sections.
What does the compaction allowance represent?+
Loose delivered soil occupies more volume than compacted placed soil and grading creates handling loss. Use a project-specific allowance based on the material.
Does the calculator choose a safe side slope?+
No. Soil type, saturation, height, erosion and site constraints determine slope stability and may require professional evaluation.