TCTopsoilCalc

Free excavation planning tool

Soil Removal Calculator

Estimate how much soil comes out of a garden bed, trench or landscape area. See the compact volume, a loose haul estimate, truckloads and an optional disposal cost.

  • Measure the area. Enter the shape, length, width and depth you plan to remove.
  • Allow for loose soil. Excavated soil can take more space when it is loaded and hauled.
  • Confirm the quote. Disposal rules, truck capacity and access vary by local provider.

Calculate soil to remove

Measurement system
Area shape

This is the compact in-place depth before excavation, not the depth of a truck load.

Loose soil to haul
4.94 yd3
Compact volume4.63 yd3
Truckloads1
Estimated cost-

Includes 10% loose-volume allowance. Cost appears after you enter local rates.

How soil removal is estimated

First calculate the compact in-place volume. Then apply a planning allowance for the extra space excavated soil may occupy during loading and transport.

Compact volume = area x removal depth
Loose haul volume = compact volume x (1 + allowance)
Truckloads = ceiling(loose haul volume / truck capacity)
Estimated cost = loose haul volume x disposal rate + haul fee

What this estimate does not decide

  • Soil classification: contaminated, rocky or wet material may have different handling rules.
  • Truck payload: a truck's volume rating is not the same as its legal weight limit.
  • Disposal approval: the local facility or hauling company decides what it accepts.

Continue planning the project

Removing soil is one side of the job. Use the related tools to plan replacement soil, cost and volume.

Soil Volume CalculatorCalculate the volume of a bed, planter or area. Topsoil CalculatorEstimate replacement topsoil in cubic yards, bags and tons. Topsoil Cost CalculatorCompare a local bulk quote with bagged soil. Lawn Topsoil CalculatorPlan topdressing, sod preparation and new lawn depth. Tons to Cubic YardsConvert material weight and volume using density. Free Supplier WidgetAdd the main calculator to a supplier website.

Soil removal calculator FAQ

How do I calculate how much soil to remove?

Multiply the area by the depth to remove. For a rectangle, multiply length by width by depth, then convert the cubic-foot result into cubic yards by dividing by 27.

Why is loose soil volume larger?

Excavated soil can occupy more space after it is broken up and loaded. Use the allowance as a planning estimate and ask the hauling provider what factor they use.

How many truckloads will I need?

Divide the loose haul volume by the usable truck capacity and round up. Confirm the provider's actual cubic-yard capacity and legal payload for your material.

How much does soil disposal cost?

Rates vary by material, local facility, distance and minimum charges. Enter a local disposal rate and haul fee above instead of relying on a national average.