Earthwork Calculator
Calculate excavation volume and truckloads. The sitework estimator's go-to for cut and fill.
Free · No signup · By the analysts at Blackridge Research · Updated 2026-07-18
Inputs
Results
What this means
Adjust the inputs to calculate.
About the Earthwork Calculator
Earthwork estimation is critical for site development and excavation projects.
This calculator provides excavation volumes and truckload requirements.
Formula
Volume = Length × Width × Depth | Truckloads = Volume / 10
- L
- — Length (ft)
- W
- — Width (ft)
- D
- — Depth (ft)
- V
- — Volume (cubic yards)
How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter length
The length of the excavation in feet.
- 2
Enter width
The width of the excavation in feet.
- 3
Enter depth
The depth of the excavation in feet.
Example calculations
Foundation excavation
A 50 ft × 40 ft foundation with 8 ft depth.
Volume = 50 × 40 × 8 = 16,000 cu ft = 592.6 cu yd. Truckloads = 592.6/10 = 60 trucks.
- Excavation volume:
- 592.6 cu yd
- Truckloads needed:
- 60 trucks
The excavation requires 592.6 cubic yards of material removal (60 truckloads).
Interpreting your results
Earthwork volume determines excavation equipment and trucking requirements.
Consider soil type and swell factors for accurate planning.
Need the market data behind this calculator?
The Earthwork Calculator is only as good as its inputs. Blackridge Research publishes syndicated market reports with vetted market sizes, growth rates, and competitive landscapes across 40+ industries — and builds custom studies when the shelf report doesn't exist.
Industry applications
Business
- Site development: plan excavation quantities.
- Cost estimation: calculate earthwork costs.
- Equipment planning: determine equipment requirements.
Construction
- Foundation excavation: calculate basement and footing excavation.
- Site grading: plan cut and fill operations.
- Trenching: estimate trench excavation volumes.
Research
- Site analysis: assess earthwork requirements.
- Feasibility studies: evaluate site development costs.
Common mistakes to avoid
-
✗ Ignoring soil swell factor
Excavated material swells 10-30% depending on soil type.
-
✗ Using average depth incorrectly
Use average depth for irregular excavations.
Frequently asked questions
›What is a typical truckload capacity for excavation?
Standard dump trucks carry 8-12 cubic yards of material.
›What is the soil swell factor?
Material swells 10-30% when excavated, depending on soil type.
Glossary
- Excavation:
- The removal of earth or rock from a site.
- Swell factor:
- The increase in volume when material is excavated.
- Cut and fill:
- The process of cutting high areas and filling low areas.
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