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Excavation calculator

Enter the length, width and depth of the excavation: PRAXAO gives the volume in place, the loose volume you actually have to haul once the soil swells, the number of truck loads and an approximate weight.

Dimensions

m
m
m
Advanced options

Extra width dug around the footing or wall to work in (0 if none).

cm

Loose soil takes more room than in place: often 15–40 % depending on the soil. Check your own soil.

%
m³

Order of magnitude 1.4–2.0 t/m³ depending on the soil and its moisture.

t/m³

Enter the dimensions to see the drawing.

Calculation results

Fill in the fields to see the result.

Preliminary estimate from the values entered: not a structural validation and not an execution plan. Check the local rules and the manufacturers’ data.

Your last inputs are kept in this browser.

Results are provided for information. Check tax rates and legal requirements that apply to you.

How to use it

  1. Enter the length, width and depth of the excavation in metres.
  2. Add a working space if you dig wider than the footing or wall.
  3. Set the swell of your soil and the capacity of your trucks.
  4. Read the volume to dig, the volume to haul and the truck loads.

Examples

10 m × 8 m, 1.2 m deep

In place: 96.000 m³. With 25 % swell: 120.000 m³ to haul, i.e. 15 loads of an 8 m³ truck, about 153.6 t at 1.6 t/m³.

Frequently asked questions

What is swell?

Soil dug out takes more room than it had in the ground because it is loosened. The increase depends on the soil, often 15 to 40 %. Trucks carry the loose volume, so it is the one to use to count loads.

Does it include slopes or shoring?

No. The calculator digs a straight-sided box. Sloped sides, shoring, steps or groundwater change the volume and need a site assessment.

Can I rely on it for a foundation?

It is a planning estimate of earthwork quantities, not a geotechnical study or a foundation design.

Guides to go further

BUILNORA

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Volume of concrete for slabs, footings and columns, with waste margin and cement, sand and gravel quantities.

BUILNORA

Rebar Weight Calculator

Weight of reinforcing steel from diameter and length, laps included, and the 12 m bars to buy.

Quote Generator

Prepare a clear quote or estimate for your client, with validity date, taxes and totals, ready as PDF.