Calculate Cubic Yards of Excavation

This calculator works out the volume of earth to be removed from an excavation in cubic yards. You enter the length, width, and depth of the hole (in feet, meters, or yards), and it returns the volume in cubic yards—the standard unit for ordering fill, topsoil, and disposal services. The result is based on the simple formula for the volume of a rectangular prism.

Formula

The volume of a rectangular excavation is:

V = L × W × D

• V = volume in cubic feet (ft³)
• L = length in feet (ft)
• W = width in feet (ft)
• D = depth in feet (ft)

Since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, divide the result by 27 to get cubic yards:

Cubic Yards = (L × W × D) / 27

If you measure in meters, first convert to feet (1 m = 3.28084 ft) or compute cubic meters directly and multiply by 1.30795 to get cubic yards.

Worked Example

Using the default values: length = 10 ft, width = 5 ft, depth = 3 ft.

1. Calculate volume in cubic feet: 10 × 5 × 3 = 150 ft³
2. Convert to cubic yards: 150 ÷ 27 = 5.555… yd³
3. Rounded to two decimals: 5.56 cubic yards

The calculator gives the same result. For metric, 150 ft³ × 0.0283168 = 4.25 m³ (rounded).

Why Cubic Yards Matter

Excavation contractors, landscapers, and utility crews quote and bill by the cubic yard. Topsoil, gravel, sand, and concrete are also sold by the cubic yard. Knowing your excavation volume lets you compare quotes, order the right amount of fill, and avoid paying for wasted material or making a second trip. For small projects like a garden bed or a footing trench, the calculation is straightforward; for large sites, the same formula applies but you may need to break the area into rectangles and sum the volumes.

How to Measure an Excavation

Accurate measurements are the foundation of a correct volume estimate. Use these steps:

• Measure length and width at the top of the excavation, not the bottom, unless the sides are perfectly vertical. For sloped sides, use the average of top and bottom dimensions.
• Measure depth from the original ground surface to the final floor level. Do not include the thickness of any gravel base or concrete slab you plan to place.
• Use the same unit for all three dimensions. Mixing feet and inches is a common error—convert inches to feet by dividing by 12.
• For irregular shapes, divide the area into rectangles, calculate each volume, and add them together.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Unit mix-ups cause the most errors. For example, if you measure 10 feet by 5 feet by 3 inches, you must convert 3 inches to 0.25 feet before multiplying. Another frequent error is forgetting to divide by 27—people sometimes stop at cubic feet and order far too little. Also, remember that the volume of a hole equals the volume of spoil only if the soil is undisturbed. When excavated, soil “bulks� (expands) by 10–30% depending on the type, so you may need more hauling capacity than the in-situ volume suggests. Conversely, when backfilling, compacted fill takes up less space than loose fill.

When to Use This Calculator vs. a More Complex Method

This tool is ideal for rectangular excavations with fairly uniform depth: trenches for utilities, footings, small ponds, or garden beds. For large sites with varying slopes, you might need a topographic survey and a cut-and-fill analysis. For circular pits, use the formula for a cylinder (π × r² × depth). For irregular shapes, break them into rectangles and triangles. The calculator gives a theoretical volume; actual field conditions (over-excavation, rock, or slumping sides) can change the total.

Cost and Ordering Considerations

When you order fill or removal, you’ll often hear “cubic yard� as the unit. A cubic yard is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high—about the size of a washing machine. Prices vary by region and material, but the volume calculation is the same. If you’re having soil hauled away, the truck capacity is typically 10–14 cubic yards, so a 5.56 yd³ excavation would fit in one truck with room to spare. Always add 10–15% extra for compaction, spillage, or uneven ground, especially when ordering fill for backfill.

Safety and Practical Tips

Excavation work can be dangerous. Before digging, call your local utility locating service to mark underground lines. Never enter an unprotected trench deeper than 4 feet without proper shoring or sloping—collapses can be fatal. Keep excavated soil at least 2 feet from the edge to reduce the risk of collapse. For deep or large excavations, consult a professional engineer. This calculator is for planning and estimation; it does not replace on-site judgment or safety regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cubic yards is a 10×10 hole 3 feet deep?

10 × 10 × 3 = 300 cubic feet. Divide by 27: 300 ÷ 27 ≈ 11.11 cubic yards. That’s about one standard dump truck load.

What is the difference between cubic yards and square yards?

Square yards measure area (length × width) and have two dimensions. Cubic yards measure volume (length × width × depth) and have three dimensions. A 10 ft × 10 ft area is 100 sq ft (about 11.1 sq yd), but the volume depends on depth.

How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?

Divide the number of cubic feet by 27. For example, 54 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 2 cubic yards. Conversely, multiply cubic yards by 27 to get cubic feet.

Does the type of soil affect the calculation?

No, the volume calculation is the same for any soil. However, the weight per cubic yard varies: dry sand weighs about 2,700 lb, while wet clay can weigh over 3,000 lb. Also, excavated soil expands (bulks) by 10–30%, so you may need more truck space than the in-situ volume.

How do I calculate cubic yards for a sloped excavation?

For a sloped pit, measure the length and width at the top and bottom, then use the average of the two for each dimension. For example, if top is 12 ft long and bottom is 8 ft, use 10 ft as the length. Then multiply by depth and divide by 27.

Can I use this for a circular excavation?

No, this calculator assumes a rectangular shape. For a circular pit, use the formula: π × r² × depth, where r is the radius. Convert the result to cubic yards by dividing by 27.

Related

• Galaxy S26 Ultra: Battery, Updates, S Pen & Support
• Best Mystery Audiobooks for Road Trips
• Cubic Yard to Cubic Feet: The Simple Conversion

in length | Length | ft | 10 | 0
in width | Width | ft | 5 | 0
in depth | Depth | ft | 3 | 0
out cubic_yards | Cubic Yards | yd³ | (length * width * depth) / 27 | 2
out cubic_meters | Cubic Meters | m³ | length * width * depth * 0.0283168 | 2