Excavation Volume Calculator for Construction Projects
Accurate excavation calculations are essential for foundation work, utility trenches, and site grading. Our free excavation calculator helps contractors estimate the volume of soil to be removed, truck loads required for hauling, and project costs including the critical swell factor that affects loose soil volume.
Understanding Soil Swell Factor
When soil is excavated, it expands or "swells" due to the introduction of air pockets. This swell factor is crucial for estimating hauling requirements because loose soil takes up more volume than the original bank (in-ground) material. Different soil types have different swell factors:
- Clay soil: 30-40% swell - compacts well, good for backfill
- Sand: 10-15% swell - minimal expansion, stable
- Gravel: 15-20% swell - good drainage material
- Rock/Bedrock: 50-70% swell - requires specialized equipment
- Mixed soil: 20-25% swell - typical for most sites
Excavation Applications
Our calculator serves multiple excavation needs:
- Foundation excavations: Full basements, crawl spaces, pier foundations
- Utility trenches: Water, sewer, gas, electrical lines
- Site grading: Cut and fill for building pads
- Retention ponds: Stormwater management systems
- Swimming pools: Residential and commercial pools
Truck Capacity and Hauling
Knowing how many truck loads are needed affects project scheduling and costs:
- Small dump trucks: 5-8 cubic yards
- Standard dump trucks: 10-16 cubic yards
- Large construction trucks: 18-20+ cubic yards
- End dumps: 15-20 cubic yards
Our calculator provides estimates for both 10-yard and 15-yard truck capacities, the most common sizes in residential and light commercial construction.
Excavation Cost Factors
Excavation costs depend on several variables:
- Soil type: Rock excavation costs 3-5x more than soil
- Access: Tight sites require smaller equipment, increasing costs
- Haul distance: Disposal costs increase with distance
- Depth: Deep excavations may require shoring
- Volume: Large projects benefit from economies of scale
Typical excavation costs range from $50-100 per cubic yard including digging, loading, and initial hauling. Complex projects with rock, limited access, or environmental concerns can cost significantly more.