Dirt Excavation and Hauling Calculator

Easily Estimate Your Dirt Removal Costs

Our Dirt Excavation and Hauling Calculator simplifies the process of estimating how much dirt you need to move and how much it will cost to haul it away. Whether you’re working on a residential project, a commercial excavation, or a construction site, this tool helps you quickly determine volume, weight, and transportation expenses.

How It Works

  1. Enter Your Dirt Type – Select whether your dirt is dry, wet, compacted, or loose. Different types of soil affect weight and hauling capacity.
  2. Input Volume – Enter the amount of dirt in cubic yards or cubic feet. If you’re unsure, use our volume estimator.
  3. Calculate Hauling Costs – Based on your location and trucking rates, our tool estimates how much it will cost to remove your excavated dirt.

Why Use Our Calculator?

  • Save Time & Money – Avoid surprises by estimating excavation and hauling costs upfront.
  • Accurate Volume Calculations – Ensure you’re hauling the correct amount of dirt without overpaying.
  • Works for Any Project – Whether you’re digging a foundation, grading land, or clearing a construction site, our calculator helps you plan efficiently.

Start Your Calculation Now!

Enter your dirt type and volume below to get an instant estimate for excavation and hauling costs.

🚜 Fast. Accurate. Hassle-Free. Try our Dirt Excavation and Hauling Calculator today!

1. How do I measure the volume of a pile of dirt?

To estimate the volume of a dirt pile, measure its length, width, and height in feet. If the pile is roughly conical, use the formula:

Volume=13×π×radius2×height\text{Volume} = \frac{1}{3} \times \pi \times \text{radius}^2 \times \text{height}

For irregular piles, break them into smaller sections, calculate each separately, and sum them up.

2. How can I calculate how much dirt I will have after excavation?

Multiply the length × width × depth of the excavation area (in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. Keep in mind that soil expands when excavated (called “fluff factor”).

3. What is the “fluff factor,” and how does it affect my dirt volume?

The fluff factor refers to how loose soil expands after excavation. Depending on the soil type, it can increase by 20-40% in volume. Compacted soil takes up less space than freshly dug dirt.

4. How much does the volume change when dirt is compacted again?

Once backfilled and compacted, soil shrinks back down by about 10-20%, depending on moisture content and soil composition. You may need more dirt to fill an excavated hole than the original estimate.

5. How do I estimate dirt volume for an irregularly shaped excavation?

Break the excavation into simple shapes (rectangles, cylinders, or cones). Calculate each section’s volume separately, then add them together. This method provides a more accurate estimate.

6. How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?

Since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, simply divide the total cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. Example: 135 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 5 cubic yards.

7. How do I estimate the weight of my dirt pile?

Dirt weight varies based on moisture and type:

  • Dry dirt: ~2,000 lbs per cubic yard (1 ton)
  • Wet dirt: ~3,000 lbs per cubic yard (1.5 tons)
    Multiply your volume by the estimated weight per yard to get a total weight estimate.

8. What’s the best way to measure a large pile of dirt?

For large piles, use a GPS measuring tool or a laser level to get accurate height measurements. If you only have basic tools, use a measuring tape and estimate using a conical or trapezoidal volume formula.

9. How do I estimate how many truckloads my dirt pile will require?

Divide your total cubic yards by the truck’s capacity:

  • Small dump truck: ~5-10 cubic yards
  • Standard dump truck: ~10-20 cubic yards
  • Semi-truck trailer: ~25-30 cubic yards
    For example, if you have 100 cubic yards, you’ll need 5 trips with a 20-yard truck.

10. Can I use an online dirt calculator to simplify the process?

Yes! Many online tools allow you to input dimensions and automatically calculate cubic yards and estimated truckloads. These are useful for quick estimates but always verify measurements manually for accuracy.