Soil Compaction Calculator
Estimate loose soil needed to achieve a compacted fill depth, including volume reduction, waste, bulk density, delivery loads and material cost.
Default project preview
23.7 yd³
Finished compacted volume
18.5 yd³
Loose volume before waste
22.6 yd³
Estimated loose weight
26.1 US tons
Delivery loads
2
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.
Finished volume = area × compacted depth. Loose volume = finished volume ÷ (1 − volume-reduction fraction). The handling allowance is then added, and deliveries are rounded up.
BuildMeter Guides
Understand the measurements and assumptions
Use these visible reference guides before changing project inputs or planning allowances.
FAQ
Soil Compaction Calculator questions
Why divide by one minus the compaction reduction?+
The loose material must start larger so that after the entered percentage of volume reduction it reaches the required finished volume.
Is compaction percentage the same for every soil?+
No. Granular fill, clay, topsoil and mixed material compact differently and require different moisture and equipment.
Does this prove specified compaction?+
No. The calculator estimates quantity only. Specified density must be verified with appropriate field testing.