Overburden Volume Calculator

Fast overburden calculations for pits, pads, and trenches. Choose geometry, units, density, and swell options. Get clear totals above the form, then download files.

Input panel

Fill the fields below, then calculate. Fields change by geometry.
White theme · Responsive layout
Example: Phase 2 Cut & Fill
Choose the footprint that matches the excavation.
Used for lengths, widths, diameter, and depth.
m
Vertical depth of material to remove.
m
Overall footprint length.
m
Overall footprint width.
m
Used to compute plan area with π·r².
m²
If you already have an area from drawings.
Only applies to the custom plan area field.
m
Centerline length of trench run.
m
Excavation width at the base.
H per 1V
0 = vertical sides; 1 = 1H:1V each side.
%
Loose = Bank × (1 + swell/100)
%
Compacted = Loose × (1 − shrink/100)
%
Adds buffer to each reported volume.
Adds mass/weight estimation using bank volume.
—
Leave blank if not needed.

Example data table

Scenario Geometry Key inputs Depth Swell Bank volume (m³)
A Rectangular 18 m × 9 m 2.4 25% 388.800
B Circular Diameter 6.0 m 1.5 20% 42.411
C Trench Length 50 m, bottom 0.8 m, slope 0.5H:1V 2.0 30% 180.000
These are sample inputs for quick checking; your site conditions may differ.

Formula used

Rectangular, circular, and custom plan area

  • Plan area (rectangle): A = L × W
  • Plan area (circle): A = π × (D/2)²
  • Bank volume: Vbank = A × depth

Trench with side slopes (symmetric)

  • Top width: T = B + 2 × slope × depth
  • Cross-section (trapezoid): Acs = (B + T)/2 × depth
  • Bank volume: Vbank = Acs × length
  • Loose volume: Vloose = Vbank × (1 + swell/100)
  • Compacted volume: Vcomp = Vloose × (1 − shrink/100)
  • Contingency: Vadj = V × (1 + contingency/100)

How to use this calculator

  1. Select a geometry that matches your excavation footprint.
  2. Choose your length unit and enter the depth of overburden.
  3. Enter the dimensions for the selected geometry (fields appear automatically).
  4. Add swell to estimate loose quantities for hauling and stockpiling.
  5. Add shrink if you need a compacted placement estimate.
  6. Optional: provide density or unit weight for mass/weight.
  7. Press Calculate to show results above the form.
  8. Use Download CSV or Download PDF for reporting.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.