Excavation Calculator
Choose the excavation shape and enter its dimensions. Add a bulking percentage to estimate the loose volume of excavated soil.
Your result will appear here after you press Calculate.
How this calculator works
Rectangular pit / trench = length × width × depth
Circular pit = π × (diameter ÷ 2)² × depth
Sloped-side pit = D × [L·W + s·D·(L + W) + (4/3)·s²·D²]
Sloped-side trench = length × D × (bottom width + s·D)
where s is the side slope (horizontal run per 1 vertical) and D the depth. Loose volume = volume × (1 + bulking ÷ 100)
Assumptions and limits
- Dimensions are for the excavated shape at the bottom (L, W) with sides sloping outwards for the sloped options.
- Soil bulking varies widely with soil type. Use a value from your geotechnical advice.
- Shoring, working space, ramps and varying ground levels are not included.
This tool gives an approximate estimate from the values you enter. It is not a substitute for professional engineering design, site inspection, official quotations or applicable building regulations. See the calculator disclaimer.