Auto-filled by soil type. Edit to override.
Add 10-15% to account for material settling after compaction
Excavation Volume, Swell, and Truckload Planning
Excavation volume is the starting point, not the final number. Once soil is removed from the ground it loosens and expands, taking up more space in a stockpile or truck than it did in the hole. A job that involves removing 10 cubic yards in the ground will typically produce 12 to 15 cubic yards of loose material depending on soil type. That difference matters when scheduling haul trucks, planning disposal, and budgeting removal costs.
The swell factor accounts for this expansion. Clay expands significantly at around 30%, while gravelly soils expand less at around 12%. Rock is by far the worst at 50 to 60%, which is why rock excavation always costs more than soil work. The soil type selector in the calculator pre-fills a typical swell percentage for each material, and you can override it if your supplier or geotechnical report gives you a more specific figure.
Swell Factors by Soil Type
| Soil Type | Typical Swell | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clay | 25-35% | Harder to compact; high moisture variation |
| Sand | 10-20% | Compacts well; low swell compared to other soils |
| Topsoil | 20-30% | Organic content increases swell variability |
| Gravelly soil | 10-15% | Lower swell; good drainage properties |
| Rock | 50-65% | Blasting or breaking required; significantly more volume when loose |
| Mixed soil | 20-30% | Use 25% as a planning default for unknown mixed sites |
Rough Excavation Cost Reference
Excavation costs vary significantly by region, soil type, depth, and access. Labour accounts for 50 to 65% of excavation cost in most markets. These are approximate US ranges for machine excavation as of 2025.
| Region | States | Cost per yd3 (soil) | Cost per yd3 (rock) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast | FL, GA, NC, SC, TN | $8 - $18 | $40 - $80 |
| South Central | TX, OK, AR, LA | $7 - $16 | $35 - $75 |
| Midwest | OH, MI, IL, IN, WI | $10 - $20 | $45 - $90 |
| Mid-Atlantic | PA, VA, MD, NJ | $12 - $24 | $50 - $100 |
| Mountain West | CO, AZ, NV, UT | $10 - $22 | $50 - $95 |
| Northeast | NY, MA, CT, RI | $15 - $30 | $60 - $120 |
| West Coast | CA, WA, OR | $14 - $28 | $55 - $110 |
Prices are approximate 2025 averages. Rock excavation costs 3 to 5 times more than soil. Haul-away and disposal fees are additional.
Fill and Compaction
If your project includes backfilling after excavation, the fill quantity needs its own calculation because you are bringing material back in at a different compaction rate than what was excavated. A 10% compaction allowance means ordering 10% more fill material than the net volume requires, since loose fill compacts down as it is placed. For structural backfill around foundations, a geotechnical engineer should specify the fill material and compaction standard.
What Comes After Excavation
Once the dig is done, most projects move straight into base preparation and concrete or asphalt placement. Use the Concrete Slab Calculator for slab work, the Concrete Footing Calculator for foundations, or the Gravel Calculator for base preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Excavation Project Planning Checklist
Before breaking ground, confirm utility locates are complete, equipment access is viable, and you have a disposal plan for the excavated material.
Download Checklist (PDF)Planning use only. See Methodology and Data Sources.View all project checklists →
Related Calculators
Disclaimer
These estimates are for general planning purposes only and should not be used as engineering, structural, or geotechnical guidance. Actual excavation quantities can vary due to soil conditions, moisture, overdig, compaction, access limitations, and field adjustments.
Site preparation and structural work should be verified against local requirements, project drawings, and current code requirements before construction begins.
See our Methodology and Data Sources for details.