Earthwork Cut & Fill Calculator

Input Details

Enter stations and grades, then compute cut and fill volumes.

Unit System

Use consistent units for station, width, and elevations.

Volume Method

Prismoidal can be more accurate for curvature.

Rounding

Controls how results appear on screen and exports.

Formation Width (m)

Bottom width of the cut or fill prism.

Side Slope (H:V)

Example: 1.5 means 1.5H to 1V on each side.

Default Interval (m)

Used if station spacing is missing or non-positive.

Swell for Cut (%)

Converts bank cut volume to loose volume.

Shrinkage for Fill (%)

Loose needed = in-place ÷ (1 − shrink).

Reset

Station Data

Stations should increase. Depth is computed as Existing − Design (cut if positive, fill if negative).

Station (m)	Existing Elev. (m)	Design Elev. (m)	Remove

Tip: Add more stations for long alignments and varying grades.

Example Data Table

Use this sample to understand how station grades translate into cut and fill.

Station	Existing Elev.	Design Elev.	Typical Outcome
0	101.20	100.70	Cut
20	101.00	100.60	Cut
60	100.60	100.50	Cut
80	100.40	100.45	Fill

The calculator converts depth into trapezoid area using formation width and side slope.

Formula Used

Depth: Cut depth = max(0, Existing − Design), Fill depth = max(0, Design − Existing)
Cross‑section area (trapezoid): A = d × (B + m × d) where d = depth, B = formation width, m = side slope (H:V)
Average End Area: V = L × (A₁ + A₂) / 2
Prismoidal: V = L × (A₁ + 4Aₘ + A₂) / 6 (Aₘ from midpoint depth)
Swell (cut): Loose cut = Bank cut × (1 + swell%)
Shrinkage (fill): Loose required = In‑place fill ÷ (1 − shrink%)

Use consistent units throughout. For imperial inputs, volumes are reported in yd³.

How to Use This Calculator

Select a unit system and a volume method.
Enter formation width and side slope for the earthwork prism.
Provide swell and shrinkage percentages based on soil conditions.
Add station rows with existing and design elevations.
Press Calculate to show results above the form.
Download CSV or PDF to attach with estimates and submittals.

For final quantities, confirm field survey data and project specifications.

Earthwork quantities that match field intent

Cut and fill estimates are most reliable when station data reflects real ground conditions and the proposed grade line. This calculator uses station-by-station elevations to compute depth at each point, then converts depth into a cross‑section area based on formation width and side slopes. The output supports quick checks for bid quantities, haul planning, and balance decisions. When paired with spot checks in CAD or spreadsheets, the station report helps reviewers trace each segment back to source data and verify assumptions quickly on site during construction.

Cross‑section areas from practical geometry

For each station, cut depth equals Existing minus Design when positive, while fill depth is Design minus Existing when positive. A trapezoid area is then calculated as A = d × (B + m × d), where d is depth, B is formation width, and m is side slope (H:V). This approach fits common roadbeds, pads, and trench prisms.

Choosing a volume method for the alignment

Average End Area applies V = L × (A1 + A2) / 2 between stations and works well for evenly spaced sections. Prismoidal volume applies V = L × (A1 + 4Am + A2) / 6 and can better represent curvature when grades change gradually. For sparse data, add stations to reduce interpolation risk.

Material behavior factors that affect haul

Earthwork rarely moves at bank volume. Swell converts excavated material to loose volume using Loose = Bank × (1 + swell%). Shrinkage converts required compacted fill to loose import using Loose Required = In‑Place ÷ (1 − shrink%). Use project specifications or lab tests to select realistic values and document assumptions.

Quality checks to keep results defensible

Confirm that stations increase and represent consistent spacing; if gaps exist, the default interval can prevent zero lengths but should not replace correct stationing. Review segment tables for abrupt jumps that suggest survey errors. Finally, compare net loose balance to available borrow or waste areas to align quantities with logistics.

FAQs

1) What inputs drive the cut and fill totals?

Totals come from station spacing, existing and design elevations, formation width, and side slope. Swell and shrinkage adjust the reported loose volumes used for hauling and compaction allowances.

2) When should I use the prismoidal option?

Use prismoidal when grades change smoothly or curvature is expected between stations. It can reduce bias compared with simple averaging, especially when station spacing is larger or profiles are non‑linear.

3) Why does the calculator show bank and loose volumes?

Bank volume represents material in the ground. Loose volume represents excavated or transported material after bulking. The difference impacts truck counts, stockpile space, and scheduling for haul routes.

4) How do I choose swell and shrinkage percentages?

Use laboratory compaction data, geotechnical recommendations, or local historical experience for similar soils. Document the source and apply conservative values when variability is high or moisture control is uncertain.

5) What does a negative net loose balance mean?

A negative value indicates borrow is required: loose material needed for fill exceeds loose cut available after factors. Plan import sources, haul distance, and moisture conditioning to meet compaction targets.

6) How can I improve accuracy for long alignments?

Add more stations at breaks in grade, transitions, and drainage features. Verify units are consistent, review segment tables for spikes, and cross‑check a few sections with independent calculations.