Excavation Calculator
Estimate excavation volume for trenches, pits, footings, and circular excavations. Includes swell, truckloads, and optional cost.
How Excavation Volume Is Calculated
Excavation volume is calculated using simple geometry. For rectangular excavations and trenches, it is length × width × depth. For circular excavations (pits), the formula uses a cylinder: π × radius² × depth. Footing excavations multiply the single footing volume by the number of footings.
Excavation Formulas for Trenches, Footings, and Pits
- Rectangular: L × W × D
- Trench: trench length × trench width × trench depth
- Footings: (L × W × D) × number of footings
- Circular: π × (d/2)² × depth
What Soil Swell Means in Excavation
Excavated soil usually expands because it becomes loose and contains air voids. This is called swell. The swell percentage helps estimate the loose volume for hauling and disposal.
FAQ
iHow do you calculate excavation volume?
Use length × width × depth for rectangular excavations. Convert units consistently and then convert the final volume into m³, ft³, and yd³.
What is the formula for trench excavation?
Trench volume = trench length × trench width × trench depth.
Why does excavated soil expand?
When soil is excavated it becomes loose and contains more air voids, increasing its volume. This is called swell.
How many truckloads of soil will excavation produce?
Truckloads are estimated as ceiling(loose volume ÷ truck capacity). Loose volume usually includes swell.
How accurate is an excavation calculator?
It provides a practical estimate based on geometry. Real results can vary due to side slopes, irregular shapes, and site conditions.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides an estimate only. Site conditions, side slopes, compaction, and measurement tolerances can change actual quantities. Verify with a qualified engineer for critical projects.