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.
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.
Excavation length
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 20 ft.
Excavation width
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 10 ft.
Average depth
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 3 ft.
Swell after excavation
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 25 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 80.
Bank soil density
Enter this project assumption in lb/ft³. The current imperial default is 100 lb/ft³.
Truck payload
Enter this project assumption in short tons. The current imperial default is 10 short tons.
Excavation price
Enter this project assumption in per yd³. The current imperial default is 18 per yd³. Minimum: 0.
Hauling fee per load
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 250. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Loose volume
after swell. Default preview: 27.78 yd³.
Estimated weight
bank density applied. Default preview: 30 short tons.
Truck loads
10 tons payload. Default preview: 3.
Excavation cost
bank volume rate. Default preview: $400.00.
Hauling cost
entered fee per load. Default preview: $750.00.
Estimated total
digging and hauling. Default preview: $1,150.00.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Bank volume = length × width × depth. Loose volume = bank volume × swell factor. Weight = bank volume × bank density. Loads = round up (weight ÷ truck payload).
Reviewed project guidance
How to use this estimate in a real project
Last reviewed: July 29, 2026
Use this calculator to estimate bank excavation volume, loose spoil and truckloads from measured dimensions and a swell factor. It helps plan hauling but does not classify soil, choose slopes or determine shoring.
Calculation steps
- 1Split irregular excavation into measurable shapes.
- 2Calculate in-place bank volume.
- 3Apply a soil-specific swell factor to estimate loose spoil.
- 4Divide by realistic truck payload and round trips upward.
Worked numerical example
An excavation 30 ft × 12 ft × 4 ft contains 1,440 ft³, or 53.33 yd³ bank volume. With 25% swell, loose spoil becomes about 66.67 yd³.
Purchasing and rounding
Disposal and hauling may be billed by truck, weight or volume. Verify legal payload, body capacity and disposal-site measurement method.
Interpret the result
Loose spoil volume is larger than the hole volume. Backfill quantity can differ again because compaction changes density.
Page-specific assumptions
- Uniform dimensions within each shape.
- Swell factor represents the excavated material.
- Truck capacity is usable payload, not nominal body volume.
- Over-excavation is entered separately.
Common mistakes
- Using one swell factor for rock and soil.
- Confusing bank, loose and compacted volume.
- Rounding truckloads down.
- Ignoring sloped excavation sides.
Primary and technical references
BuildMeter provides planning estimates, not engineering, architectural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, permit or code approval. Review the methodology and verify final decisions with product documentation and qualified professionals.
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.