Earthwork Balance Calculator

Inputs

Units

Volumes are displayed in your chosen system.

Swell (%)

Bank to loose: loose = bank × (1 + swell).

Shrink (%)

Loose to compacted: compacted = loose × (1 − shrink).

Topsoil strip depth (m)

Applied across total zone area.

Reuse topsoil onsite

Used as a reporting note only.

Truck capacity, loose (m³)

Used for truckload estimates.

Excavation cost per bank (m³)

Simple planning cost line.

Haul cost per truckload

Applies to loads to satisfy fill.

Fill placement cost per compacted (m³)

Placement and compaction allowance.

Zones (length × width × depth)

Cut and fill depths are entered per zone. Negative values are treated as zero.

Zone name	Length (m)	Width (m)	Cut depth (m)	Fill depth (m)

Example Data Table

Typical item	Common range	Planning note
Swell factor	10% to 35%	Higher for fractured rock and granular soils.
Shrink factor	5% to 20%	Higher when moisture and compaction control is strict.
Topsoil strip depth	0.05 to 0.20 m	Verify geotech logs and field stripping limits.
Truck capacity (loose)	8 to 16 m³	Use the legal payload and practical heaping limits.

Values vary by material, moisture, and compaction method.

Formula Used

Zone area: A = L × W
Cut (bank): V_cut,bank = Σ(A × d_cut)
Fill required (compacted): V_fill,comp = Σ(A × d_fill)
Bank to loose: V_loose = V_bank × (1 + swell)
Loose to compacted: V_comp = V_loose × (1 − shrink)
Balance: Balance = V_{cut,yield,comp} − V_fill,comp
Loose needed for fill: V_loose,needed = V_fill,comp ÷ (1 − shrink)
Truckloads: Loads = V_loose ÷ TruckCapacity

Swell and shrink are entered as percentages. This is a planning model and should be checked against survey volumes and material tests.

How to Use This Calculator

Select your unit system to match your drawings.
Enter swell and shrink based on material testing.
Add zones for distinct pads, roads, or stages.
Provide each zone length, width, cut, and fill depths.
Set truck capacity and cost inputs for planning totals.
Press Submit to view balance and hauling estimates.
Use CSV or PDF buttons to save the report.

Earthwork balance supports constructible grading decisions

Earthwork balance compares available cut with required fill so a grading plan can be delivered with minimal import and export. This calculator aggregates zones and converts bank excavation to loose haul and compacted yield using user selected swell and shrink. By reporting balance on a compacted basis, it aligns with specification language for placed and compacted materials.

Swell and shrink factors should reflect tested materials

Swell increases volume when material is excavated and broken, so the same bank quantity occupies more space in a truck. Shrink reduces volume when material is compacted to required density, so loose loads yield less compacted fill. Use project geotechnical data, moisture control limits, and compaction method to set these values.

Zone based inputs improve transparency and auditability

Breaking the site into pads, road segments, and staged work areas provides clear assumptions for reviewers. Each zone uses length, width, and representative cut or fill depth to estimate volumes. This supports rapid what‑if checks during design development, such as adjusting platform elevations, widening corridors, or refining slopes. When survey surfaces are available, zones can mirror mass haul regions for easier reconciliation.

Topsoil stripping affects haul planning and reuse strategy

Topsoil is often stripped and stockpiled, which consumes space and influences haul routes. The calculator estimates stripped topsoil as a bank volume based on total zone area and a selected stripping depth. Reuse onsite can reduce import for landscaping cover, while exporting may be necessary where contamination or unsuitable organic content exists. Documenting the assumption keeps earthwork and landscape quantities consistent.

Truckloads and cost lines help budget conversations

Haul estimates translate loose volumes into approximate truckloads using a user defined capacity. This assists planning for access, cycle times, and staging areas. The simple cost lines for excavation, hauling, and placement provide a quick order of magnitude check, not a bid. Update rates for local conditions, disposal fees, and rehandling risk. Use the CSV and PDF outputs to share scenarios with stakeholders.

FAQs

1) What does a positive balance mean?

A positive compacted balance indicates surplus material after meeting fill. Plan for waste export, stockpiles, or design adjustments to reduce unnecessary haul.

2) Why are truckloads based on loose volume?

Trucks carry loose material, not bank or compacted volume. Using loose volume gives a practical load count for hauling and scheduling.

3) How should I choose swell and shrink percentages?

Use material test data, similar project experience, and compaction requirements. If uncertain, run low, medium, and high scenarios to see sensitivity.

4) Can I model different materials on one site?

Yes. Create separate zones for distinct materials and assign appropriate depths and factors per scenario, then compare outputs between runs.

5) Does the topsoil volume change the balance results?

Topsoil is reported separately as a strip quantity. It supports planning and documentation, but it does not change the cut‑fill balance.

6) Is the cost estimate suitable for procurement?

No. It is a planning aid only. Final costs should include production rates, disposal rules, shrinkage control, rehandling, and contract terms.