Inputs
Example data table
| Scenario | Shape | Dimensions | Swell | Truck capacity | Soil | Estimated loads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raised bed cleanout | Rectangular | 12 ft × 8 ft × 1.5 ft | 20% | 12 yd³ | Topsoil | 1 load |
| Pond excavation | Circular | 10 ft diameter × 3 ft depth | 25% | 10 yd³ | Clay | 1–2 loads |
| French drain trench | Trench | 30 m × 0.4 m × 0.6 m | 15% | 8 m³ | Mixed Fill | 2 loads |
Formula used
Bank volume depends on shape:
- Rectangular / Trench: V = L × W × D
- Circular: V = π × (Diameter ÷ 2)² × D
Convert and adjust for swell:
- Imperial conversion: yd³ = ft³ ÷ 27
- Loose volume: Vloose = Vbank × (1 + Swell% ÷ 100)
Weight estimate:
- Imperial: Weight(tons) = (Vloose × Density(lb/yd³)) ÷ 2000
- Metric: Weight(tonnes) = (Vloose × Density(kg/m³)) ÷ 1000
Loads:
- Loads by volume = Vloose ÷ TruckVolume
- If weight limiting is enabled: Loads by weight = Weight ÷ PayloadLimit
- Required loads = ceil(max(Loads by volume, Loads by weight))
How to use this calculator
- Select your unit system and excavation shape.
- Add up to three sections to match the job area.
- Enter length, width, and depth for each section.
- Set a swell factor to reflect loosening during digging.
- Pick a soil preset or enter a measured density.
- Enter your truck’s volume capacity and optional payload limit.
- Press Calculate loads to see results above the form.
- Use the download buttons to save a CSV or PDF report.
Professional guide
1) Why hauling-load planning matters
Hauling is often the hidden constraint in garden excavation. A small pond, patio base, or trench can create more loose material than expected, causing extra trips, schedule delays, and driveway wear. Estimating loads early helps you size trucks, confirm access, and avoid last‑minute disposal surprises.
2) Bank volume versus loose volume
Excavation starts as “bank” volume, the in‑place soil before digging. Once excavated, the soil expands and becomes “loose” volume. This calculator converts your measured dimensions to bank volume, then applies a swell factor to estimate loose volume, which is the practical quantity that fills a truck bed.
3) Swell factor ranges you can benchmark
Swell depends on moisture, compaction, and soil structure. As a planning baseline, many contractors use 10–20% for sandy soils, 15–30% for topsoil and mixed fill, and 25–40% for cohesive clays. If you are uncertain, select a conservative value and validate after the first bucket.
4) Density drives weight and payload control
Volume alone can be misleading because heavy materials hit payload limits first. Typical dry bulk densities often fall near 1,300–1,800 kg/m^3 depending on soil type, while gravel can be higher. When the weight option is enabled, the calculator compares volume-based loads to weight-based loads and uses the safer, larger requirement.
5) Truck capacities are not one-size-fits-all
Small tippers may carry about 3–6 m^3, medium dump trucks commonly 8–12 m^3, and larger units can exceed that when conditions allow. However, legal payload is governed by axle limits and local rules, so a truck may not be able to haul a “full” bed of dense clay or wet soil.
6) Trip planning and site logistics
Loads translate directly into trips, and trips translate into time. Include travel distance, queue time at disposal, and on-site maneuvering. If access is tight, you may choose smaller trucks and more trips. If access is open, fewer larger loads can reduce total machine idle time.
7) Cost impacts you can quantify
Hauling costs typically combine a per-load fee or hourly trucking rate plus disposal charges. Using the required loads output, you can estimate a realistic hauling budget: loads × (truck rate per trip) + (disposal fee per load). Add a contingency when soil is wet or the swell factor is uncertain.
8) Field checks and safety practices
After the first load, compare actual fill level and scale ticket weights (if available) against the estimate. Adjust swell or density if needed. Never exceed payload limits, and keep material below sideboards when required. Better estimating reduces re-handling and improves site cleanliness.
FAQs
1) What is the difference between bank and loose volume?
Bank volume is soil in place before digging. Loose volume is excavated material after it expands. Trucks carry loose volume, so swell is applied to estimate real hauling quantity.
2) Which swell factor should I choose?
Use 15–25% for general garden soil as a starting point. Sandy material can be lower, clay can be higher. If uncertain, pick a conservative value and update after the first bucket load.
3) Why do I sometimes need more loads with weight limiting?
Dense or wet material can reach payload limits before the truck bed looks full. Enabling weight limiting forces the calculator to use the larger of volume-based or weight-based loads for safer planning.
4) How do I handle multiple dig areas on one job?
Add up to three sections. Enter each area’s dimensions and the calculator totals them. This works well for combined trenches, planting beds, and small pond excavations in one project.
5) Can I use this for gravel or imported base material?
Yes, but it is designed for excavation hauling. For imported material, set swell to 0% and choose a suitable density or enter your supplier’s measured density to estimate payload-limited trips.
6) What truck volume should I enter?
Use the rated heaped or struck capacity from the truck or rental listing. If you are unsure, enter a smaller value to stay conservative. Weight limits may reduce usable volume for heavy soils.
7) Why does the suggested max fill show less than 100%?
When weight limits apply, filling the bed completely can exceed payload. The suggested max fill estimates a safer bed fill percentage based on soil density and payload limit, helping prevent overloads.
Plan hauling trips accurately and keep your garden tidy.