Free estimate — verify against local code before building
Excavation, Fill Dirt & Truck Load Calculator
Separate in-place volume from loose haul or order volume, then plan truck loads and editable project cost.
What this calculator includes
Choose excavation/removal or imported fill, enter a rectangular, circular, or measured footprint and depth, then replace the default loose-density and swell or compaction allowance with supplier or geotechnical information. Results keep in-place volume, loose volume, supplier rounding, estimated weight, truck loads, fabric, hauling, disposal, and material cost separate.
How to use this excavation & fill calculator
- 01
Choose cut or fill
Excavation mode treats the measured volume as bank or in-place material and expands it by the entered swell factor for hauling. Fill mode adds an editable compaction/settlement allowance to the required in-place volume.
- 02
Measure the footprint and depth
Use rectangles for trenches and pads, circles for round excavations, or measured area for irregular work. Split changing depths into separate calculations rather than averaging a highly variable site.
- 03
Replace density and allowance defaults
Moisture, gradation, organic content, excavation method, and required compaction can materially change volume and weight. Supplier tickets or geotechnical information are better than a generic preset.
- 04
Confirm hauling constraints
Truck body capacity is not the same as legal payload. Confirm route, axle limits, site access, disposal acceptance, minimum charges, and whether the carrier bills by yard, ton, or load.
Calculation sources and review
Primary references and formula assumptions are linked so you can verify them against the selected product, supplier, and adopted local requirements.
Internal formula review completed July 13, 2026. What this review covers
- OSHA — Trenching and Excavation Safety (opens in a new tab)
Cave-in prevention, competent-person inspection, access, spoil placement, and protective systems.
- 811 — Call Before You Dig (opens in a new tab)
Utility-locating workflow before excavation begins.
- USDA NRCS — National Engineering Handbook, Earthwork (opens in a new tab)
Technical context for earthwork volume and material behavior; project factors remain site-specific.
Frequently asked questions
Why is loose excavation volume larger than the hole?
Excavated soil expands when its in-place structure is disturbed. The calculator applies the entered swell percentage after measuring bank volume, but actual swell varies substantially by soil and excavation method.
How much extra fill dirt should I order for compaction?
There is no universal factor. Fifteen to twenty percent is a planning starting point for some soils, but material type, moisture, lift thickness, equipment, and specified density control. Use supplier or geotechnical data for critical work.
Can truck loads be calculated from cubic yards alone?
Only as a volume estimate. A truck can reach its legal weight limit before its body is full, especially with wet soil or dense aggregate. Compare both the displayed tons and the carrier's legal payload.
Does this calculator design trench protection or slopes?
No. It models a constant footprint and depth only. A competent person must classify soil and select required sloping, benching, shielding, shoring, access, spoil setback, and inspection procedures under applicable safety rules.