Excavation Calculator: Complete Volume & Truckload Guide
This excavation calculator helps you estimate the volume of material to be excavated, its weight, and the number of truckloads required for removal. Enter your dimensions, soil type, and truck capacity — get results in seconds.
⛏️ Quick Formula: Excavation Volume
Volume (cy) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27
Example: 20 ft × 10 ft × 4 ft = 800 cu ft ÷ 27 = 29.6 cy. With 15% swell = 34.0 cy loose. At 3,000 lbs/cy = 44.4 tons.
How to Calculate Excavation Volume
The calculation for excavation volume is straightforward:
- Step 1: Calculate cubic feet: Length × Width × Depth
- Step 2: Convert to cubic yards: Cubic feet ÷ 27
- Step 3: Apply swell factor for loose volume: In-place volume × (1 + Swell %)
- Step 4: Calculate weight: Volume × Soil Density
- Step 5: Calculate truckloads: Loose volume ÷ Truck Capacity
Soil Types and Their Densities
Different soil types have different weights per cubic yard. Using the correct density ensures accurate weight estimates:
| Soil Type | Density (lbs/cy) | Density (tons/cy) | Typical Use |
|---|
| Sand | 2,700 | 1.35 | Beach, desert, foundation fill |
| Sandy Loam | 3,000 | 1.50 | Gardening, general excavation |
| Clay | 3,200 | 1.60 | Foundation, pond lining |
| Gravel | 3,400 | 1.70 | Driveways, base material |
| Rock | 3,800 | 1.90 | Blasting, heavy excavation |
Swell Factor Explained
When soil is excavated, it expands (swells) because of increased air voids. This is important for trucking calculations:
- Sand: 8-12% swell
- Sandy Loam: 12-18% swell
- Clay: 15-25% swell
- Gravel: 10-15% swell
- Rock: 20-30% swell
Real-World Excavation Examples
- Foundation (20' × 30' × 4'): 2,400 cu ft ÷ 27 = 88.9 cy × 1.15 = 102.2 cy loose × 3,000 lbs = 153.3 tons → 11 trucks (10cy)
- Basement (30' × 40' × 8'): 9,600 cu ft ÷ 27 = 355.6 cy × 1.15 = 409 cy loose × 3,200 lbs = 654 tons → 41 trucks (10cy)
- Swimming pool (20' × 40' × 6'): 4,800 cu ft ÷ 27 = 177.8 cy × 1.15 = 204.4 cy loose × 3,000 lbs = 306.6 tons → 21 trucks (10cy)
- Commercial building (100' × 60' × 10'): 60,000 cu ft ÷ 27 = 2,222 cy × 1.15 = 2,555 cy loose × 3,200 lbs = 4,088 tons → 256 trucks (10cy)
📋 Real Project: Residential Foundation Excavation
Project: Residential foundation, Austin, TX | Size: 40' × 50' × 5' | Soil: Clay (3,200 lbs/cy)
📐 Calculation:
Volume: 40 × 50 × 5 = 10,000 cu ft ÷ 27 = 370.4 cy
Swell (18%): 370.4 × 1.18 = 437.1 cy loose
Weight: 370.4 × 3,200 = 1,185,280 lbs ÷ 2000 = 592.6 tons
Truckloads (12cy): 437.1 ÷ 12 = 37 loads
5 Excavation Estimation Mistakes
- Forgetting to convert to cubic yards: Divide cubic feet by 27
- Not accounting for swell: Loose volume is always greater than in-place
- Using wrong soil density: Different soils weigh different amounts
- Ignoring truck capacity: Different trucks hold different volumes
- Underestimating depth: Measure depth accurately at multiple points
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate excavation volume?➕
Volume = Length × Width × Depth. For cubic yards, divide by 27. For loose volume, multiply by (1 + swell factor).
What is swell factor in excavation?➕
Swell factor is the percentage increase in volume when soil is excavated. It accounts for the soil expanding due to air voids. Typical swell factors range from 8% (sand) to 30% (rock).
How many tons of dirt are in a cubic yard?➕
It depends on the soil type. Sand: 1.35 tons/cy, Sandy Loam: 1.5 tons/cy, Clay: 1.6 tons/cy, Gravel: 1.7 tons/cy, Rock: 1.9 tons/cy.
How many truckloads do I need for my excavation?➕
Divide the loose volume (cubic yards) by the truck capacity (cubic yards). Always round up to the nearest whole load.
What is the difference between in-place and loose volume?➕
In-place volume is the volume of soil in its natural state before excavation. Loose volume is the volume after excavation, which is larger due to soil expansion (swell).
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