Excavation Calculator

About this calculator

This calculator finds excavation volume by multiplying length, width, and depth to get the in-place (bank) volume, then applying a swell factor to show how much more space that soil takes up once it's dug up and loosened — since excavated material always expands compared to its compacted, undisturbed state.

Construction estimators and excavation contractors use it to size how many truckloads of material will need hauling off site, and DIYers planning a pool, pond, or foundation dig use it to avoid underestimating how much dirt they'll actually need to move and store.