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Excavation Calculator

Live answer20 yd³15.29 m³ bank · 25 yd³ loose spoil · 3 truckloads · $875
Live result20 yd³15.29 m³ bank · 25 yd³ loose spoil · 3 truckloads · $875
Formula used

Depth feet = excavation depth inches ÷ 12. Bank cubic feet = length feet × width feet × depth feet × number of sections. Bank cubic yards = bank cubic feet ÷ 27. Bank cubic metres = bank cubic yards × 0.764554857984. Loose spoil cubic yards = bank cubic yards × (1 + swell percent ÷ 100). Truckloads = ceiling(loose spoil cubic yards ÷ truck capacity cubic yards). Cost estimate = loose spoil cubic yards × rate per cubic yard.

This is the method behind the answer, so the result can be checked rather than simply trusted.

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Your numbers, formula and explanation together

Excavation Calculator: 20 yd³. 15.29 m³ bank · 25 yd³ loose spoil · 3 truckloads · $875

Formula applied

The exact method behind this answer

CalculationTime keeps the method visible so the number can be checked instead of blindly trusted.

Depth feet = excavation depth inches ÷ 12. Bank cubic feet = length feet × width feet × depth feet × number of sections. Bank cubic yards = bank cubic feet ÷ 27. Bank cubic metres = bank cubic yards × 0.764554857984. Loose spoil cubic yards = bank cubic yards × (1 + swell percent ÷ 100). Truckloads = ceiling(loose spoil cubic yards ÷ truck capacity cubic yards). Cost estimate = loose spoil cubic yards × rate per cubic yard.
  1. Apply the formulaDepth feet = excavation depth inches ÷ 12. Bank cubic feet = length feet × width feet × depth feet × number of sections. Bank cubic yards = bank cubic feet ÷ 27. Bank cubic metres = bank cubic yards × 0.764554857984. Loose spoil cubic yards = bank cubic yards × (1 + swell percent ÷ 100). Truckloads = ceiling(loose spoil cubic yards ÷ truck capacity cubic yards). Cost estimate = loose spoil cubic yards × rate per cubic yard.20 yd³15.29 m³ bank · 25 yd³ loose spoil · 3 truckloads · $875

Your live breakdown

Current inputs in the calculation

These values come from the controls above and update when the calculator changes.

Excavation length
30 ft
Measure the planned dig length in feet. Split irregular jobs into sections when needed.
Excavation width
12 ft
Use the planned trench, pad or pit width in feet.
Excavation depth
18 in
Enter average cut depth in inches. Average several measurements for sloping ground.
Matching sections
1
Use this when several matching trenches, pads or pits have the same dimensions.
Loose spoil swell
25 %
Excavated soil commonly occupies more volume once loosened. Use your soil, contractor or disposal-basis figure when known.
Truck capacity
10 yd³/load
Optional loose-volume truck or skip capacity for haul-off planning.
Excavation or disposal rate
35 $/yd³
Optional rough rate for a quote note before access, shoring, machine time, permits, utilities or dumping fees.

Resulting answer

20 yd³

15.29 m³ bank · 25 yd³ loose spoil · 3 truckloads · $875

Answer
20 yd³
Live support
15.29 m³ bank · 25 yd³ loose spoil · 3 truckloads · $875

Assumptions used

What this answer assumes

Best for trench digs, patio or driveway cut-outs, garden excavation, footing prep, haul-off notes, skip-bin planning, contractor quote checks and classroom volume worksheets where bank volume and loose spoil need to stay separate.

  • The calculator treats each section as a rectangular excavation with an average depth entered by the user.
  • Depth is entered in inches and converted to feet before volume is calculated.
  • Loose spoil swell is shown separately because excavated soil, clay, gravel and mixed fill can occupy more space after digging than it did in the ground.
  • Truckload and cost outputs are planning checks only; real loading, road limits, skip sizes, access, dumping rules and minimum charges can change the job.
  • This is a quantity estimate, not an excavation safety, utility-location, shoring, drainage, geotechnical or permit approval.

Master’s Tip

How to use the result well

Master’s Tip: print both bank volume and loose spoil volume. The measured hole and the material hauled away are not the same thing, and mixing those two numbers is a common reason excavation quotes miss truck space or disposal cost.

Printable record

What belongs in the saved calculation

Save the inputs, result, formula, assumptions, page URL and date together so the calculation can be reviewed later.

Excavation length
30 ft
Measure the planned dig length in feet. Split irregular jobs into sections when needed.
Excavation width
12 ft
Use the planned trench, pad or pit width in feet.
Excavation depth
18 in
Enter average cut depth in inches. Average several measurements for sloping ground.
Matching sections
1
Use this when several matching trenches, pads or pits have the same dimensions.

Visual grid

This result measures part of the space you live in

Length, area, volume and material estimates are grid problems too: measure the space, account for edges and allowances, then turn the pattern into a number you can use.

Micro-timehours, minutes, shiftsHuman scaledays, weeks, projectsMacro-timemonths, years, calendars
Measured output20 yd³

Space calculations turn a real surface, room, run or volume into cells, edges and allowances that can be quoted, ordered or checked.

CalculationTime

Excavation Calculation Report

Report date:

20 yd³15.29 m³ bank · 25 yd³ loose spoil · 3 truckloads · $875

Inputs

Excavation length
30 ft
Excavation width
12 ft
Excavation depth
18 in
Matching sections
1
Loose spoil swell
25 %
Truck capacity
10 yd³/load
Excavation or disposal rate
35 $/yd³

Method

Depth feet = excavation depth inches ÷ 12. Bank cubic feet = length feet × width feet × depth feet × number of sections. Bank cubic yards = bank cubic feet ÷ 27. Bank cubic metres = bank cubic yards × 0.764554857984. Loose spoil cubic yards = bank cubic yards × (1 + swell percent ÷ 100). Truckloads = ceiling(loose spoil cubic yards ÷ truck capacity cubic yards). Cost estimate = loose spoil cubic yards × rate per cubic yard.

  1. For one 30 ft by 12 ft excavation at 18 inches average depth, depth = 18 ÷ 12 = 1.5 ft. Bank volume = 30 × 12 × 1.5 = 540 ft³, or 20 yd³. With 25% swell, loose spoil is 25 yd³, about 3 truckloads at 10 yd³ per load.

Assumptions

  • The calculator treats each section as a rectangular excavation with an average depth entered by the user.
  • Depth is entered in inches and converted to feet before volume is calculated.
  • Loose spoil swell is shown separately because excavated soil, clay, gravel and mixed fill can occupy more space after digging than it did in the ground.
  • Truckload and cost outputs are planning checks only; real loading, road limits, skip sizes, access, dumping rules and minimum charges can change the job.

Notes

Use this space on the printed report for client, supplier, classroom, job-location, measurement, quote or approval notes.

Source: https://www.calculationtime.com/calculators/excavation-calculator

This report shows the calculation inputs, formula, assumptions and result for review. It is not legal, payroll, tax, engineering, financial or academic advice unless a qualified professional confirms the applicable rules.