Calculate excavation volume, truck loads needed, and removal costs. Get accurate estimates for digging projects with soil-specific swell factors and access difficulty adjustments.
Swell factor: 1.2x (excavated soil expands)
Standard dump truck: 10-14 cu yd
Ready to calculate
Enter excavation dimensions
Excavated soil expands when removed from the ground. This "swell" means you'll remove more volume than the hole's actual size. Always account for swell when estimating dump truck loads.
Loose, easy to dig
$50-$80/cu yd
Dense, expands most
$80-$120/cu yd
Average conditions
$65-$100/cu yd
Very difficult, requires breaking
$100-$150/cu yd
Organic, light
$40-$70/cu yd
Why expert review matters
Every calculator is reviewed by certified professionals to ensure accuracy.Hawkin's CCP, CEP certification ensures professional-grade precision.
| Truck Type | Capacity (cu yd) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Small/Mini Dump | 8-10 | Tight access, residential |
| Standard Dump Truck | 12-14 | Most common for excavation |
| Tri-Axle Dump | 18-20 | Large commercial projects |
| Super Dump | 22-26 | Heavy loads, long haul |
How do you calculate excavation volume?
Length × width × depth in feet ÷ 27 = cubic yards. Then multiply by swell factor (1.12-1.40) for actual volume to remove.
What is soil swell factor?
Excavated soil expands. Sand swells 12%, mixed soil 20%, clay 30%, rocky soil 40%. Critical for truck load estimates.
How much does excavation cost?
$50-150 per cubic yard. Varies by soil type, access difficulty, and local dump fees. Get 3 quotes.
Do I need a permit for excavation?
Most areas require permits for excavations over 4 feet deep or 100 cubic yards. Always call 811 before digging.
This excavation calculator determines the volume of soil to remove based on your hole dimensions. It applies soil-specific swell factors because excavated soil expands significantly - clay can expand up to 40%! This expansion affects how many dump truck loads you'll need and the total removal cost. We also factor in access difficulty, which can increase costs by 25-50% for tight or difficult-to-reach locations.
Formulas
Volume (cu ft) = Length × Width × Depth
Volume (cu yd) = Volume (cu ft) ÷ 27
Adjusted Volume = Volume × Swell Factor
Truck Loads = Adjusted Volume ÷ Truck Capacity