# Excavation Calculator

> Bank and loose excavation volume from pit dimensions, with soil swell included.

Calculate excavation volume free from length, width and depth, plus loose volume after soil swell. Instant, private, step-by-step results.

- **Canonical:** https://build.ailovekit.com/calculators/excavation-calculator/
- **Category:** Calculator
- **Processing:** Runs entirely in your browser. Files are never uploaded to AiLoveKit servers.

## How It Calculates

- **Formula:** Volume = L × W × D; loose = bank × (1 + swell)

**Inputs:**

- Length
- Width
- Depth
- Swell %

All calculation runs locally in your browser; results update as you type and include the substituted working.

## Size the Dig and the Dump Trucks

Earthwork estimates fail when they ignore swell: the hole measures one thing, the spoil heap another. AiLoveKit's **excavation calculator** gives you both - bank volume from pit dimensions and loose volume with your swell percentage - so hauling and disposal quotes line up with reality.

## Planning the Earthwork

- **Bank volume** - what you dig, priced per m³ in place.

- **Loose volume** - what you haul, priced per trip.

- **Compacted fill** - needs about 10% more than bank volume.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What is soil swell?**

Excavated soil takes up more space than it did in the ground because it loosens. Ordinary soil swells about 25%, so 100 m³ in place becomes about 125 m³ to haul away.

**How many truck loads is that?**

Divide the loose volume by the truck bed capacity: a 10 m³ tipper needs 13 trips for 125 m³ loose (round up).

**Should I add working space?**

Yes for foundations: add 0.3 to 0.5 m around footings for formwork and access before calculating.

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Source: https://build.ailovekit.com/calculators/excavation-calculator/
Part of AiLoveKit: https://build.ailovekit.com/
Machine-readable index: https://build.ailovekit.com/llms.txt