Earthwork Calculator
Estimate cut or fill earthwork volume and in-situ soil mass for a rectangular area.
Estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual volumes vary with soil type, compaction, shrinkage, and site conditions. Consult a qualified geotechnical engineer before finalising earthwork designs. Excavated soil typically bulks 10–30% — see the Excavation Calculator for swell factors.
How it works
- 1Enter the length, width, and depth of the earthwork zone in metres or feet.
- 2The calculator multiplies the three dimensions to get the volume (length × width × depth).
- 3In-situ soil mass is estimated at 1500 kg/m³ (dry soil). Switch between metric and imperial with the toggle.
Use cases
- Estimating cut volume for road cuttings, trenches, and foundation excavations.
- Calculating fill volume for embankments, landscaping terraces, and site levelling.
- Quickly sizing haulage truck loads before a detailed survey.
Frequently asked questions
How is earthwork volume calculated?
For a rectangular zone, Volume = Length × Width × Depth. A 20 m × 10 m area excavated 0.5 m deep gives 20 × 10 × 0.5 = 100 m³.
What soil density does it use?
This tool uses an in-situ dry-soil density of 1500 kg/m³. Real soils range from about 1200 kg/m³ (loose sand) to 2000 kg/m³ (compacted clay), and moisture adds mass.
What is soil bulking and why does it matter?
Excavated soil loosens and occupies 10–30% more volume than in the ground. A 100 m³ cut may yield 115–130 m³ to haul away. Use the Excavation Calculator to apply a swell factor.
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