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Cut and Fill Calculator

Calculate cut and fill — cut and fill bank balance with shrink and swell with waste for US projects. Enter dimensions, select units and add waste to get instant, supplier-ready numbers.

1. Measurements & Dimensions

CUT AND FILL CALCULATOR ESTIMATE
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Enter dimensions above to calculate

Calculation Breakdown & StepsFormula: Bank volume required for fill = compacted fill / (1 − shrink / 100); bank balance = cut − required bank fill; loose balance = bank balance × (1 + swell / 100).
  1. Enter values to see step-by-step substitution.

    Engineering Assumptions:

    • Balance compares material on the same bank-volume basis. Positive means excess/export; negative means shortage/import.
    • Assumes reusable soil of consistent properties. Unsuitable soil, topsoil stripping and material segregation are excluded. Shrink/swell require site information.
    VISUAL GUIDE — CUT AND FILL CALCULATORexcavation · cut-and-fill-calculator

    TOP VIEW — Cut (bank volume) × Required compacted fill

    Cut and Fill Calculator topCut (bank volume) 19yd3Required compacted fillCut and Fill19×13 = 247 yd3²

    SECTION — Bank-to-compacted volume reduction 8%

    Cut and Fill Calculator sectionCut and Fill 8%8"Bank volume required for fill = compacted fill / (1 − shrink / 100); bank balance = cut − required bank fill; loose balance = bank balance × (1 + swell / 100). · +12% → 6.83 yd³
    Cut and Fill Calculator — Bank volume required for fill = compacted fill / (1 − shrink / 100); bank balance = cut − required bank fill; loose balance = bank balance × (1 + swell / 100). · example 19×13 @8% = 164.7 ft³ (6.10 yd³) → 6.83 yd³ with 12% waste · cut-and-fill-calculator

    What Is This Calculator?

    The Cut And Fill Calculator — cut and fill bank balance with shrink and swell.

    What Does It Calculate?

    • Bank balance
    • Loose balance
    • Bank required

    How to Use the Calculator

    1. Measure Cut And Fill 20 ft x 10 ft x 4 in — use feet for length/width and inches for thickness where typical.
    2. Enter values and select units. The calculator converts to feet before calculating (inches /12, yards x3).
    3. Adjust waste % and optional price, then click Calculate. Results show with waste included.
    4. Use Reset to clear and try another size.

    Formula & Engineering Methodology

    Bank volume required for fill = compacted fill / (1 − shrink / 100); bank balance = cut − required bank fill; loose balance = bank balance × (1 + swell / 100).

    • L — Length for Cut And Fill in feet
    • W — Width for Cut And Fill in feet
    • D — Depth for Cut And Fill in feet

    All units convert to exact standard engineering dimensions (NIST SP 811) before calculation to ensure consistency between US Customary and Metric measurements.

    Worked Example

    Example: Cut And Fill 20 ft x 10 ft x 4 in

    STEPVALUE
    Convert depth4 in /12 = 0.333 ft
    Cubic feet20 x 10 x 0.333 = 66.67 ft3
    Cubic yards66.67 /27 = 2.47 yd3
    With 10% waste2.72 yd3

    Construction Information

    Material: Soil swells 15–25% when dug (1.2x). Clay 1.6 t/yd3, sand 1.5, topsoil 1.2. Call 811 before dig.

    • Measure longest x widest; split L-shapes into two rectangles and add.
    • Compact subgrade — soft spots add thickness.
    • For structural sizing (beams, headers, rebar) verify with a professional per local code.

    Material Information

    Soil swells 15–25% when dug (1.2x). Clay 1.6 t/yd3, sand 1.5, topsoil 1.2. Call 811 before dig.

    Waste & Overages

    Trench sides slough — add 10% for over-excavation. Shrinkage 10% on backfill.

    Practical Tips

    • Bench or slope sides per OSHA over 5 ft
    • Stockpile topsoil separate from subsoil

    Common Mistakes

    • Forgetting swell — truck count short
    • Not subtracting pipe volume for backfill

    Assumptions & Engineering References

    • Balance compares material on the same bank-volume basis. Positive means excess/export; negative means shortage/import.
    • Assumes reusable soil of consistent properties. Unsuitable soil, topsoil stripping and material segregation are excluded. Shrink/swell require site information.

    This calculator provides an estimate based on your inputs. Actual requirements vary by site, material and installation. For code-regulated or load-bearing work, consult a qualified professional.

    Calculations run 100% in your browser — zero tracking of your dimensions or input data.

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    Frequently asked questions

    What does the Cut And Fill Calculator calculate?

    The Cut And Fill Calculator estimates cut and fill quantity for US jobs — Trench volume in cubic yards, Backfill less pipe volume, Soil weight in tons with swell. Enter dimensions, choose units, add waste and price to get instant results.

    How do I measure for cut and fill?

    Measure cut and fill 20 ft x 10 ft x 4 in on site. Use the unit selectors — the tool converts inches→feet (÷12) and yards→feet (×3) before math. For non-rectangular, split into rectangles and add.

    How much waste should I add?

    Trench sides slough — add 10% for over-excavation. Shrinkage 10% on backfill.

    How accurate is this cut and fill estimate?

    Math is exact for your inputs. Actual needs vary by site, material and installation. Add 5–10% waste for rectangular, 10–15% for irregular.

    About Calculator Street

    Built by Vipul Otari for US homeowners & contractors. Calculator inputs are processed in your browser. Estimates depend on your measurements, product specifications and the assumptions shown on this page. Confirm order quantities with your supplier and structural requirements with your project designer. Page updated: 2026-09-11.

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