Excavation Calculator
Estimate excavation volume for a rectangular pit or foundation.
How to Use the Excavation Calculator
Enter excavation length, width and depth to estimate soil volume to be removed.
Practical Example
A pit 5 m long, 3 m wide and 1.2 m deep has a calculated volume of 18 m³.
Factors That Affect the Result
Side slopes, over-excavation, soil swell, irregular ground and access requirements can increase hauled volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does excavated soil expand?
Often yes. Loose soil can occupy more volume than in-place soil.
Can I use this for foundations?
Yes for a basic geometric estimate.
Should I include working space?
Yes if extra excavation is required around the project.
Related Tools
Excavation Volume Planning
Enter the excavation length, width and depth using consistent units to estimate the amount of material to remove. Real sites can differ because trench walls may slope, the ground may be uneven and extra clearance may be needed around foundations or utilities. Excavated soil also expands after it is loosened, so haul-off volume can be greater than the in-ground volume. Use the estimate for early planning, then allow for overdig, soil swell and site-specific conditions before ordering trucks or disposal capacity.