Why is the hauled volume bigger than the dig volume?

Soil expands when you excavate it — called swell or bulking. In-place ('bank') soil compacts under its own weight; once dug it fluffs up. Sand swells ~12%, loam ~25%, clay ~30%, and blasted rock up to 50%. Always order trucking based on the loose (hauled) volume, not the bank volume.

How many cubic yards in a dump truck?

A standard tandem dump truck holds about 10-16 cubic yards; a tri-axle holds 12-18. Smaller single-axle dumps carry 5-8. Confirm with your hauler — legal load also depends on material weight, not just volume.

Excavation & Dirt Removal Calculator

Calculate excavation volume in cubic yards, the hauled (loose) volume after soil swell, and the number of dump-truck loads to remove it. For footings, foundations, pools, ponds, and grading.

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Average depth (ft)

Soil type (swell)

Dump truck capacity (cu yd)

Typical: 10-16 cu yd tandem; 12-18 tri-axle.

In-place (bank)

29.6

cu yd

Hauled (loose)

37.0

cu yd after swell

Truck loads

@ 10 cu yd

Cubic feet

800

in-place

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How to Use This Calculator

Enter the length, width, and average depth of the excavation in feet. Choose the soil type — excavated soil 'swells' and takes up more space than in-place ('bank') soil, so the hauled volume is larger. Set your dump truck capacity to get the number of loads to haul off.

Formula Used

Bank volume (cu yd) = L × W × D ÷ 27. Loose/hauled volume = Bank volume × swell factor (sand 1.12, loam 1.25, clay 1.30, rock 1.50). Truck loads = Loose volume ÷ truck capacity, rounded up.

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Disclaimer

This calculator is for estimation purposes only. Results may vary based on local conditions, materials, and building codes. Always consult a licensed professional before making decisions based on these calculations. MyContractorTools is not responsible for any errors or omissions.