Excavation Calculator
Estimate excavation (bank) volume and the loose hauled volume after soil bulking.
Estimates for planning only — verify quantities with a qualified civil engineer before procurement or disposal.
How it works
- 1Enter the pit dimensions — length, width, and depth — in metres or feet.
- 2Set the bulking / swell percentage (typically 20–30% for common soils).
- 3Read off the bank (in-ground) volume and the larger loose (hauled) volume for truck scheduling.
Use cases
- Estimating truck loads required to haul excavated spoil from a foundation.
- Planning earthwork quantities for trenches, pools, or basement digs.
- Comparing spoil volumes when switching between soil types with different swell factors.
Frequently asked questions
What is bank volume vs loose volume?
Bank volume is the in-ground volume before digging (Length × Width × Depth). Once excavated, soil bulks as voids open up, so loose volume = bank × (1 + swell ÷ 100). 100 m³ of bank at 25% swell becomes 125 m³ loose.
What swell percentage should I use?
Typical values: sandy soil 10–15%, clay 20–30%, gravel 10–20%, rock 30–50%. If unsure, 25% is a reasonable default for common soils.
Does it account for compaction shrinkage of fill?
No — this tool covers the bank-to-loose conversion only. When excavated soil is re-compacted as fill it shrinks below its bank volume (about 5–15%). Use a fill/compaction calculator for that step.
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