How to calculate excavation
Find the volume of the hole, then divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards — the unit soil and hauling are usually measured in:
Cubic yards = (Length × Width × Depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27
A 20 × 10 ft area dug 24 inches deep is 400 cubic feet, or about 14.8 cubic yards in the ground.
Swell and truckloads
Dug soil loosens and expands — typically 20–30%. Adding 25% swell turns 14.8 bank yards into about 18.5 loose yards to haul. At 12 cubic yards per truck that's 2 loads:
Loose volume = Bank volume × (1 + swell %) • Loads = Loose ÷ Truck capacity
For other materials
Bringing fill back in? The topsoil, gravel, and sand calculators estimate material to add by the cubic yard and ton.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate excavation volume?
Multiply length × width × depth with all measurements in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. A 20 ft × 10 ft area dug 2 feet deep is 400 cubic feet, or about 14.8 cubic yards in the ground.
What is soil swell, and why does it matter?
When you dig soil it loosens and takes up more space than it did in the ground — typically 20–30% more. So the loose volume you actually haul away is larger than the in-ground (bank) volume. The calculator adds a swell percentage to estimate the loose volume.
How many cubic yards does a dump truck hold?
It varies, but a standard dump truck carries roughly 10–14 cubic yards of soil, and smaller trucks less. Enter your truck capacity and the calculator divides the loose volume to estimate the number of loads, rounded up.
What is the difference between bank and loose volume?
Bank (or in-place) volume is the size of the hole you dig. Loose volume is that same soil after it is dug up and fluffs out. You excavate the bank volume but must haul and pay to dispose of the larger loose volume.
Does this work for a foundation or pool?
Yes, for a rectangular dig of uniform depth. For irregular shapes, split the area into rectangles and add the volumes. Sloped sides or stepped depths need to be averaged or broken into sections.
Disclaimer: Estimates assume a rectangular dig of uniform depth. Swell and truck capacity vary with soil type and equipment — confirm with your contractor or hauler.