TOOL · CIVIL ENGINEERING
Excavation material calculator
Work out volume, weight and number of truck loads for your excavated material. Enter the dimensions and select the material type – the calculator accounts for the swell that occurs when material is dug up.
Different materials have different densities and swell by different amounts. Values are approximate – see the explanation below the results.
600 t
Estimated weight to transport
Solid volume (in place)
300 m³
Loose volume (to haul)
375 m³
Number of loads
30
Average weight per load
20 t
Weight is the limiting factor for this material.
How the calculator works – and why values are approximate
Weight is calculated as solid volume × material density. Loose volume is the solid volume multiplied by a swell factor, since material takes up more space once dug up. The number of loads is set by whichever limit is reached first – volume or weight.
Density and swell vary with moisture, compaction and material composition. The values are typical guidance figures and should not be treated as exact. Always confirm against the actual material before transport and pricing.
| Material | Density (t/m³) | Swell (loose/solid) |
|---|---|---|
| Topsoil | 1.5 | 1.3 |
| Sand | 1.8 | 1.2 |
| Gravel | 1.9 | 1.2 |
| Clay | 1.8 | 1.3 |
| Till / mixed material | 2 | 1.3 |
| Crushed rock / aggregate | 1.6 | 1.1 |
| Asphalt (broken up) | 1.7 | 1.3 |
| Blasted rock | 2.6 | 1.6 |
Do you know where every load ends up?
Pinpointer documents every delivery – weighed quantity, receiver and classification – with full traceability from bucket to receiving facility.
Want to understand the rules around excavation material? Read our complete guide to excavation material.
This guide is for general guidance and describes broad principles. Conditions vary between projects and municipalities – for an assessment in a specific case, consult an environmental consultant or contact your supervisory authority.