Excavation Volume Calculator
Calculate cubic yards of excavation for any shape. Estimate excavation cost and soil removal needs.
🏗️ Construction📐 Volume = Length × Width × Depth (for rectangular excavation)
Length (feet)
Width (feet)
Depth (feet)
Soil swell factor (% increase when dug)
Excavation shape
Please enter valid values.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Excavation Volume Calculator | Volume = Length × Width × Depth (for rectangular excavation) | cubic yards |
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1
House Foundation
40 ft × 30 ft × 4 ft deep.
- Volume: 4,800 cu ft = 177.8 cu yd
- With 25% swell: 222.2 cu yd | ~16 truck loads
✓ 177.8 cu yd
Example 2
Swimming Pool
40 ft × 20 ft × 6 ft deep.
- Volume: 4,800 cu ft = 177.8 cu yd
- ~16 truck loads of soil removal
✓ 177.8 cu yd
Example 3
Utility Trench
200 ft × 2 ft × 3 ft.
- Volume: 1,200 cu ft = 44.4 cu yd | ~4 trucks
✓ 44.4 cu yd
Real-World Applications
Contractors
Calculate excavation volumes for any job.
Estimators
Estimate excavation cost for bids.
Homeowners
Understand scope of excavation projects.
Graders
Calculate soil haul quantities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️
Not accounting for swell
Soil expands 20-35% when excavated. A 100 cy excavation becomes 120-135 cy to haul. Underestimating means more trucks and cost.
⚠️
Not budgeting for soil disposal
Soil disposal fees vary $20-100/ton at landfills. Clean fill may be given away or sold; contaminated soil requires licensed disposal at much higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does excavation cost? ▾
Typical range: $40-200/cubic yard all-in (excavation + haul + disposal). Complex soil conditions (rock, high water table) significantly increase costs.
What is swell factor? ▾
Soil expands when disturbed. Clay: 30-35% swell. Sand: 10-15%. Rock: 30-40%. Always account for swell in soil haul calculations.
When is a soil test needed? ▾
Any commercial project, projects near contamination sites, large residential projects, or when unusual soil conditions are suspected require soil testing.