Question 1

How do I calculate excavation volume?

Accepted Answer

Multiply length × width × depth to get the volume in cubic metres. For trenches with sloped sides, use the average of the top and bottom width instead of a single width measurement.

Question 2

How many trucks do I need to remove excavated soil?

Accepted Answer

A standard dump truck carries about 6 cubic metres of material. Divide your total excavation volume by 6 and round up to get the number of truck loads needed.

Question 3

Why should I add a buffer to my excavation volume?

Accepted Answer

Soil swells when excavated — loose soil takes up more volume than compacted soil in the ground. A 10–15% buffer accounts for this swell and any over-excavation at the edges.

Question 4

What is the difference between a pit and a trench excavation?

Accepted Answer

A pit is a broad, roughly square or rectangular hole (for foundations or basements), while a trench is long and narrow (for pipes, footings, or drainage). The volume calculation is the same for both.

Excavation calculator