Excavation Calculator
Estimate excavation volume, loose hauled volume, soil weight, truck loads, digging cost and hauling cost for a rectangular cut.
Default project preview
22.22 yd³
Loose volume
27.78 yd³
Estimated weight
30 short tons
Truck loads
3
Excavation cost
$400.00
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Bank volume = length × width × depth. Loose volume = bank volume × swell factor. Weight = bank volume × bank density. Loads = round up (weight ÷ truck payload).
BuildMeter Guides
Understand the measurements and assumptions
Use these visible reference guides before changing project inputs or planning allowances.
FAQ
Excavation Calculator questions
What is excavation swell?+
Soil expands when loosened, so hauled volume is larger than the in-place bank volume.
Should truck loads be based on weight or volume?+
Both limits matter. This estimate uses payload weight; bulky light material may reach body volume first.
Does this include sloped excavation sides?+
No. It assumes a rectangular cut. Safe slopes, benches or shoring can greatly increase volume.