Earthwork Calculator

Cut and fill volume with swell/shrink factors and truck loads

Earthwork Input
In-situ (bank) volume
0 ㎥
Details
⚠️ This calculator is a simple reference tool based on standard engineering formulas. Actual required quantities may differ due to site conditions, material types, construction tolerances, specifications, and changes in applicable regulations. calcstool.com assumes no legal liability for any procurement, design, construction, or other decisions made in reliance on these results, nor for any direct or indirect damages arising therefrom.
FAQ
What are swell and shrink factors (L/C)?
Soil expands when excavated (loose state, L) and shrinks when compacted (C). L is the loose-to-bank ratio and C the compacted-to-bank ratio. Common soil uses about L 1.20, C 0.90.
How do cut and fill differ?
For cut, the bank volume is excavated and hauled in loose state (×L). For fill, the compacted volume is the target, so required bank volume = compacted ÷ C, and haul volume = bank × L.
How are truck loads calculated?
Hauling is based on loose volume, divided by a 15 ㎥ dump truck and rounded up. Actual loads vary with fill ratio and truck size.
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Earthwork Volume

Soil changes volume by state: bank (in-situ), loose (excavated/hauled) and compacted (placed fill). Converting between them with swell/shrink factors (L, C) is needed to estimate haul/import volumes and truck counts correctly.

Method

Bank volume = width × length × average depth. For cut, haul volume = bank × L; for fill, required bank = compacted ÷ C. Divide the haul volume by a 15 ㎥ dump truck and round up for the load count.

Typical factors

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