Excavation Volume Calculator
An excavation volume calculator estimates the total volume of earth that must be removed for foundations, basements, trenches, swimming pools, and grading projects. Accurate excavation quantities are essential for budgeting earthwork costs, estimating the number of dump truck loads required for off-haul, and planning equipment needs. Soil swells when excavated because the natural compaction is released, so the loose volume is always larger than the in-place (bank) volume. This calculator computes the bank volume from your pit dimensions, applies a soil swell factor to estimate the loose volume you will haul, and divides by a truck capacity to estimate the number of loads required.
Excavation volume formula
Bank Volume (cu yd) = (Length x Width x Depth) / 27
Loose Volume = Bank Volume x Swell Factor
Truckloads = ceiling(Loose Volume / Truck Capacity)
Bank cubic yards (BCY) is the in-place measure before excavation. Loose cubic yards (LCY) accounts for expansion after digging. Always confirm soil type and swell factor with a geotechnical report for large projects.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate excavation volume?
For a rectangular pit, multiply length x width x depth to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. For slopes or irregular shapes, break the area into regular sections and sum the volumes. Always add 10-15% for soil swell when estimating truckloads.
What is soil swell factor?
When soil is excavated, it expands (swells) in volume because the natural compaction is released. Typical swell factors: clay 20-40%, loam 15-25%, sand 10-15%, gravel 10-12%, rock 30-50%. If your excavated bank measure is 100 cubic yards of clay, you may need to haul 120-140 cubic yards of loose material.
How many cubic yards does a dump truck hold?
A standard tandem-axle dump truck holds 10 to 14 cubic yards of loose material per load. Super dump trucks can carry up to 26 cubic yards. Divide your total loose volume by the truck capacity to estimate the number of truckloads required.
What is the difference between bank, loose, and compacted measure?
Bank measure (BCY) is the in-place volume before excavation. Loose measure (LCY) is after digging and includes swell. Compacted measure (CCY) is after the material is placed and compacted, which is smaller than loose but may be smaller than bank too depending on material. Contractors typically price excavation in bank cubic yards.
How deep can I excavate without shoring?
OSHA requires protective systems (shoring, sloping, or shielding) for any trench or excavation 5 feet or deeper in most soil types. Trenches in stable rock may be exempt. Always comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P for excavation safety. Never enter an unprotected excavation more than 5 feet deep.
Official sources
- OSHA: OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P - Excavations Safety Standards.
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: USACE Engineering Manual EM 1110-2-1906 - Soil Mechanics.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.