Calculate excavation volume for rectangular pits, trenches, and slope-sided excavations. Get accurate in-place and loose volume estimates with soil swell factors for hauling and disposal planning.
Part of the Excavation & Earthworks calculators — see all tools in this category.
Enter length in millimeters
Enter width in millimeters
Enter depth in millimeters
Swell factor: 25% (excavated soil expands by this amount)
Volume of excavation (bank measure)
Volume for hauling (includes swell)
Excavated soil expands 25% when removed. Loose volume = in-place volume × 1.25
This excavation calculator helps you determine the volume of earth to be removed and the amount of material to haul away, accounting for soil expansion (swell) when excavated.
In-Place Volume: The volume of the excavation in its natural state (bank measure). This is the volume of the hole you're creating.
Loose Volume: The volume after excavation, accounting for soil swell. This is what you need to haul away. Always larger than in-place volume due to air gaps and loosening.
Swell Factor: Percentage increase in volume. For example, 25% swell means 10 m³ in-place becomes 12.5 m³ loose. Use loose volume for truck capacity and disposal planning.
Excavations deeper than 1.5m require protective systems: sloping, benching, or shoring. OSHA and local codes specify minimum slope ratios based on soil type. Trenches narrower than 450mm typically require trench boxes. Always consult safety regulations and consider hiring a competent person to inspect excavations before workers enter.
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