Calculate topsoil stripping volume, weight, and truckloads from area and strip depth for site preparation and disposal planning.
Part of the Excavation & Earthworks calculators — see all tools in this category.
Total area of topsoil to remove
Depth of topsoil to strip (typically 100-300mm)
Volume of topsoil in the ground
Volume after stripping (for hauling)
In-ground weight
Need to buy topsoil instead? Use our Topsoil & Mulch Calculator for supply volume and coverage estimates.
This topsoil removal calculator helps you plan the stripping and disposal of topsoil during site preparation. Whether you are preparing a building pad, grading a lot, or clearing land, knowing the volume and weight of topsoil to remove is essential for scheduling trucks and estimating disposal costs.
The formula is straightforward: Volume = Area × Strip Depth. This gives you the bank (in-situ) volume — the soil as it sits in the ground. When excavated, soil expands due to swell, so the loose volume (what you actually haul) is larger.
When topsoil is stripped, it breaks apart and takes up more space than it did in the ground. Typical topsoil (loam) swells about 25%, meaning 10 m³ in the ground becomes 12.5 m³ on the truck. Always use the loose volume for hauling estimates and disposal planning.
Topsoil is relatively light compared to clay or rock, with a typical bank density of 1,250 kg/m³. However, wet topsoil can be significantly heavier. For most topsoil removal jobs, volume governs the number of truck trips rather than weight — but it is always worth checking both.
Need to buy topsoil? If you are looking to purchase topsoil for landscaping or garden beds rather than remove it, use our Topsoil & Mulch Calculator for supply volume and coverage estimates.
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