Excavation volume determines how much soil must be removed for foundations, trenches, pools, and basements. It also drives equipment selection, trucking costs, and disposal fees.
Basic Formula
V = L × W × D (rectangular excavation). For trapezoidal trenches: V = [(W_top + W_bottom)/2] × D × L.
Swell Factor
Soil expands when excavated (swell). Clay: 30–40% swell. Sand: 10–15%. Rock: 50–70%. A 100 yd³ clay excavation produces ~130 yd³ of loose fill to haul.
Conversion
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. Dump trucks typically carry 10–14 cubic yards per load.