Excavation Truckload Calculator
Estimate excavation volume, loose volume, material weight, truckloads and hauling cost using editable swell, density and truck limits.
Default project preview
4 truckloads
Bank volume
35.6 yd³
Loose volume
44.4 yd³
Estimated material weight
55.6 US tons
Loads by volume
4
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 40 ft.
Excavation width
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 12 ft.
Average depth
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 2 ft.
Excavated-material swell
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 25 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 100.
Loose material density
Enter this project assumption in US tons/yd³. The current imperial default is 1.25 US tons/yd³.
Usable volume per truck
Enter this project assumption in yd³. The current imperial default is 12 yd³.
Usable weight per truck
Enter this project assumption in US tons. The current imperial default is 15 US tons.
Hauling price per load
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 425. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Bank volume
in-place excavation volume. Default preview: 35.6 yd³.
Loose volume
25% swell included. Default preview: 44.4 yd³.
Estimated material weight
loose volume × entered density. Default preview: 55.6 US tons.
Loads by volume
12 yd³ usable each. Default preview: 4.
Loads by weight
15 US tons usable each. Default preview: 4.
Hauling allowance
4 loads × entered price. Default preview: $1,700.00.
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 × (1 + swell). Weight = loose volume × density. Required loads are the greater of volume loads and weight loads.
BuildMeter Guides
Understand the measurements and assumptions
Use these visible reference guides before changing project inputs or planning allowances.
FAQ
Excavation Truckload Calculator questions
What is excavation swell?+
Swell is the increase in volume after soil or rock is loosened and no longer packed in place.
Why calculate loads by both volume and weight?+
A truck can reach either its body-volume limit or its legal payload first, depending on material density.
Does this include return trips or loading time?+
The result estimates load count and an entered price per load. Cycle time, standby and mobilization should be added separately when applicable.