Swale Volume Calculator
Estimate swale excavation volume, loose spoil, cross-sectional area, full truckloads and haul cost from length, top width, bottom width and depth.
Default project preview
14.81 yd³
Loose spoil
18.52 yd³
Cross-sectional area
4 ft²
Total swale length
100 ft
Truckloads
2
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.
Swale 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 6 ft.
Bottom width
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 2 ft.
Average depth
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 1 ft.
Equal swales
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 1. Minimum: 1.
Excavated swell
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 25 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 80.
Truck capacity
Enter this project assumption in yd³. The current imperial default is 10 yd³.
Cost per truckload
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 325. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Loose spoil
25% swell applied. Default preview: 18.52 yd³.
Cross-sectional area
trapezoid section. Default preview: 4 ft².
Total swale length
all swales. Default preview: 100 ft.
Truckloads
loose spoil, rounded up. Default preview: 2.
Average side run
horizontal run per side. Default preview: 2 ft.
Haul cost
entered load rate. Default preview: $650.00.
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 = (top width + bottom width) ÷ 2 × depth. Bank volume = cross-section × length × quantity. Loose spoil applies the entered swell.
FAQ
Swale Volume Calculator questions
What shape does the calculator assume?+
A uniform trapezoidal channel with constant top width, bottom width and depth.
Does volume determine drainage capacity?+
No. Capacity also depends on longitudinal slope, roughness, flow depth and outlet conditions.
What if the swale dimensions vary?+
Divide it into sections and calculate each section separately.