Free Earthwork Volume Calculator

Calculate the volume of earthwork (cut or fill) between two cross-sections using the average end area method.

m^2
m^2
m
%

Bank (in-place) Volume

1,500.0 m^3

Loose (truck) Volume1,875.0 m^3

Bank (in-place) Volume vs Cross-Section Area 1 (A1)

Average End Area Method

The average end area method estimates earthwork volume between two surveyed cross-sections.

Formula

V = (A1 + A2) / 2 x L

where A1 and A2 are the cross-sectional areas at each station and L is the distance between them. For excavated material, apply a swell factor (typically 20-40%) because soil expands when dug out. The loose volume is what determines truck loads.

Example Calculation

Cross-sections of 25 m^2 and 35 m^2, 50 m apart, 25% swell.

  1. 01Bank volume = (25 + 35) / 2 x 50 = 30 x 50 = 1500 m^3
  2. 02Loose volume = 1500 x 1.25 = 1875 m^3
  3. 03Truck loads (10 m^3 per truck) = 1875 / 10 = 188 loads

Frequently Asked Questions

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