Length (ft) Enter the length of the excavation area in feet (e.g., 25.5)

Width (ft) Enter the width of the excavation area in feet (e.g., 15.0)

Depth (ft) Enter the depth of the excavation in feet (e.g., 4.0)

Quick Examples:

Small Residential Footing Large Foundation

Calculate Clear

This calculator is for informational purposes only. Verify results with appropriate professionals for important decisions. Actual excavation volumes may vary based on soil conditions, site preparation, and project requirements.

Use this free online Excavation Calculator to calculate your excavation volume. Simply enter your length, width, and depth to instantly get results in cubic yards and cubic feet. This helps you estimate how much material needs to be removed for construction, landscaping, or digging projects.

How Excavation Volume Is Calculated

Excavation volume measures the total amount of material that needs to be removed from a rectangular digging area. The calculator uses a simple formula based on the three dimensions you provide. First, it multiplies the length, width, and depth together to find the volume in cubic feet. Then, it converts that number to cubic yards by dividing by 27, since there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.

This formula works best for rectangular excavations with uniform depth. For irregular shapes or sloped sides, consider consulting a professional for more precise estimates.

What Your Excavation Volume Result Means

Your excavation volume tells you how much material needs to be removed from your project site. This number helps you plan for equipment needs, disposal costs, and project timelines. For example, a result of 22 cubic yards means you would need approximately 2 dump truck loads, since most dump trucks carry 10-14 cubic yards per trip. Larger projects may require heavy equipment like excavators and multiple trucks.

Keep in mind that soil conditions can affect your actual excavation. Loose or sandy soil may require larger excavation areas, while rocky soil may increase equipment time and costs.

Accuracy, Limitations & Common Mistakes of the Excavation Calculator

How Accurate Is the Excavation Calculator?

This calculator provides reliable estimates for simple rectangular excavations with uniform depth. It uses standard geometric formulas that are widely accepted in construction planning. However, actual volumes may differ due to soil conditions, ground slope, and site preparation needs. For complex projects, professional surveying and engineering estimates are recommended.

Limitations of the Excavation Calculator

This calculator assumes a perfect rectangular shape with straight sides and flat bottom. It does not account for sloped excavation walls, which are often required for safety in deeper digs. The tool also does not consider soil swell factors, which occur when excavated material expands after being dug. Additionally, it cannot calculate irregular shapes, curved edges, or stepped excavations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to account for soil swell: Excavated soil can expand 10-40% in volume, so you may need more trucks than the calculated volume suggests.
• Measuring at the wrong points: Always measure the actual digging dimensions, not the finished structure dimensions, to get accurate excavation volume.
• Ignoring slope requirements: Deeper excavations often require sloped sides for safety, which increases the total volume significantly beyond the base calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this Excavation Calculator for?

This calculator is designed for contractors, homeowners, landscapers, and anyone planning a digging project. It works well for estimating material removal for foundations, trenches, pools, and general site work. Both professionals and do-it-yourself project planners can use it for quick volume estimates.

How often should I use this calculator?

Use this calculator whenever you are planning a new excavation project or comparing different project options. It is helpful during the planning phase to estimate costs, equipment needs, and disposal requirements. You can also use it to verify contractor estimates or plan material delivery schedules.

Does this calculator work for all soil types?

The volume calculation works the same regardless of soil type. However, different soils behave differently when excavated. Rocky soil may require special equipment, while loose sand may need shoring. The calculator provides the geometric volume, but actual digging conditions vary by location and soil composition.

Can I use this calculator for trenching projects?

Yes, this calculator works well for trenching. Enter the trench length, width, and depth to get the total excavation volume. For longer trenches, you may want to break the project into sections if the depth varies along the route. Remember that trenches deeper than 5 feet often require sloped sides for safety.

Is the Excavation Calculator free to use?

Yes, this calculator is completely free with no sign-up required. You can use it on any device with a web browser, and your calculations are not stored or shared.