Reservoir Construction Cost Calculator

Project inputs

Estimation method

Pick dimensions for geometry-based quantities, or capacity for quick budgeting.

Storage capacity (m³)

Used when capacity method is selected.

Currency code

Example: USD, EUR, PKR, GBP.

Bottom length (m)

Bottom width (m)

Excavation depth (m)

Depth is used for excavation and lining area.

Freeboard (m)

Storage is computed up to depth − freeboard.

Side slope (H:V)

Example: 2 means 2H:1V.

Over-excavation (%)

Extra volume for working room, trimming, and waste.

Swell/shrink for haul (%)

Positive increases hauled volume; negative reduces it.

Embankment factor

Embankment volume = excavation × factor (typical 0.10–0.25).

Excavation unit cost (per m³)

Haul & disposal unit cost (per m³)

Fill & compaction unit cost (per m³)

Lining type

Set to none to remove lining costs.

Lining unit cost (per m²)

Spillway structure (lump sum)

Outlet works (lump sum)

Access/temporary works (lump sum)

Site preparation (lump sum)

Environmental controls (lump sum)

Mobilization (%)

Contingency (%)

Overhead & profit (%)

Tax/VAT (%)

After calculating, download options appear above.

Example data table

Scenario	Length (m)	Width (m)	Depth (m)	Slope (H:V)	Lining	Total (example)
Small farm pond	80	45	3	2	Clay	USD 48,700
Community storage	200	100	5	2	Geomembrane	USD 165,400
Industrial reserve	350	180	7	2.5	Concrete	USD 520,900

Example totals are illustrative. Use local rates and project design for decisions.

Formula used

Top dimensions (dimension method): Lt = L + 2·s·D, Wt = W + 2·s·D, where s is side slope (H:V).
Excavation volume (rectangular frustum): V = (D/3) · (A1 + A2 + √(A1·A2)), with A1 = L·W and A2 = Lt·Wt.
Storage volume uses water depth Dw = max(0, D − freeboard) and the same frustum formula.
Lining area (bottom + sides): slant ℓ = D·√(1+s²), side area (L+Lt)·ℓ + (W+Wt)·ℓ, total A = L·W + side.
Adjustments: over-excavation Vadj = V·(1+over% ), haul Vhaul = Vadj·(1+swell% ), embankment Vemb = Vadj·factor.
Total cost: sum line items → add mobilization, contingency, overhead & profit, and tax.

How to use this calculator

Select Use dimensions for a geometry-based estimate, or Use storage capacity for quick budgeting.
Enter earthworks assumptions: over-excavation, swell/shrink, and embankment factor.
Provide your local unit rates for excavation, haul, fill, and lining.
Add lump-sum structures such as spillway, outlet works, access, and environmental controls.
Set project allowances: mobilization, contingency, overhead & profit, and tax.
Press Calculate cost. The result appears above the form with a breakdown.
Use Download CSV or Download PDF to share the estimate.

Project inputs

Example data table

Formula used

How to use this calculator

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