About the Earthwork Volume Calculator
What is the Earthwork Volume Calculator?
This earthwork calculator estimates excavation for foundations, tanks and trenches (length × width × depth), or for roads and channels using the average end area method.
Excavated soil bulks up, so it also gives the loose volume to haul and the number of truck loads, plus the volume in cubic feet and brass.
How to use the Earthwork Volume Calculator
- Method (sample: Pit or trench – length × width × depth)
- Length (m) (sample: 20)
- Width (m) (sample: 10)
- Depth (m) (sample: 1.5)
- Cross-Section Area at Start (m²) (sample: 12)
- Cross-Section Area at End (m²) (sample: 18)
- Swell / Bulking of Excavated Soil (%) (sample: 25)
- Truck Capacity (m³) (sample: 6)
- Press Calculate Earthwork (results also refresh as you type). The result card shows the Excavation Volume (in place), along with Loose volume to haul, Truck loads, In cubic feet (in place) and In brass (100 cft).
Formula used
Volume = L × W × D; or (A₁ + A₂) ÷ 2 × Length
- Loose volume = in-place volume × (1 + swell %)
- Brass = 100 cubic feet
Swell is roughly 10–25% for sand and gravel, 25–40% for clay and rock.
Worked example
These are the sample values already filled in the calculator above, and the result it returns for them:
| Input | Sample value |
|---|---|
| Method | Pit or trench – length × width × depth |
| Length (m) | 20 |
| Width (m) | 10 |
| Depth (m) | 1.5 |
| Cross-Section Area at Start (m²) | 12 |
| Cross-Section Area at End (m²) | 18 |
| Swell / Bulking of Excavated Soil (%) | 25 |
| Truck Capacity (m³) | 6 |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Excavation Volume (in place) | 300 m³ |
| Loose volume to haul | 375 m³ |
| Truck loads | 63 |
| In cubic feet (in place) | 10,594 cft |
| In brass (100 cft) | 105.94 |
Tips for using the Earthwork Volume Calculator
- Add working space around foundations and allow for side slopes in deep pits.
- Measure end areas at regular intervals (chainages) along a road.