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Excavation Calculator

Estimate how much soil to excavate you need for an area. Enter length, width, and depth in feet and inches or meters and centimeters.

Your numbers

ft
ft
in
%

You need

24.44 cubic yards

Cubic feet
660
Cubic meters
18.69
Show the working
  1. Volume = length × width × depth = 600 ft³
  2. With 10% extra = 660 ft³
  3. Cubic yards = ft³ ÷ 27 = 24.44

Results are estimates for planning. Check important figures with a qualified professional.

Quick answer

The Excavation Calculator shows cubic yards of soil to dig out for a foundation, pool, or trench. How it works: Volume = length × width × depth; Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. For example, with length of 20 ft, width of 10 ft, and depth of 36 in, the you need is 24.44 cubic yards.

How to use the Excavation Calculator

  1. Enter length.
  2. Enter width.
  3. Enter depth.
  4. Enter extra for waste. Adds a margin for cuts, spills, and uneven ground.
  5. Read you need and the breakdown. Use Share to send the exact numbers, or Print to save a PDF.

How it's calculated

  • Volume = length × width × depth
  • Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27

Worked example

With length of 20 ft, width of 10 ft, depth of 36 in, and extra for waste of 10 %:

You need: 24.44 cubic yards. Cubic feet: 660.

Questions people ask

How much extra should I order?

5% to 10% covers uneven ground, compaction, and spills. Go higher for irregular areas.

Why does dug soil take more space?

Loose soil swells. Plan trucks for 20% to 30% more volume than the hole. Use the extra field for this.