Calculated result
12.3yd³
Haul volume
Formula
UTIL-TRENCH-001300 ft³
Net excavation
11.11 yd³
Net volume
2 loads
Haul-truck loads
Utilities calculator
Trench volume calculator
Excavation volume and haul-truck loads from trench length, width and depth with a visible allowance.
Reviewed formula · v1.0.0
Project inputs
Enter field measurements. Unit conversion happens before the reviewed formula is applied.
All values can be refined when you edit the estimate. This tool does not replace field verification or local requirements.
Transparent cost view
Use visible planning values, then replace them with actual job costs before quoting.
Material cost$1,046
Direct cost$1,436
Overhead + contingency$144
Markup + tax$189
Estimated project total$1,769
How this calculator works
A transparent trench volume calculator takeoff.
This calculator treats a trench as a rectangular prism, then applies a visible swell allowance before reporting cubic yards and whole haul-truck loads.
Worked example. Example: a 50 ft trench, 2 ft wide and 36 in deep is 11.11 yd³. With 10% swell the haul quantity rounds to 12.3 yd³, or 2 loads in 10 yd³ trucks.
- 1. Measure centerline length and average excavated width and depth.
- 2. Enter truck volume from the actual haul unit, not a universal dump size.
- 3. Keep shoring, spoils placement and backfill as separate decisions.
Need the broader workflow? Read the utilities planning guide.
Questions
Common questions about this trench volume calculator.
Does swell equal waste on a pour?
No. Excavated soil often occupies more volume after digging. The allowance is a planning swell/over-excavation factor, not a concrete waste factor.
Is this a shoring or OSHA trench design?
No. It estimates volume only. Protective systems, sloping and utility clearance require independent review.