Excavation Calculator

Cubic yards of dirt to dig and haul, plus truckloads.

Dirt to remove

22.2 cu yd

Dig area

600 sq ft12" deep

In-ground volume

22.2 cu yd

Loose (haul) volume

27.8 cu yd+25% soil swell once dug

Truckloads

3~12 CY per dump truck

Haul + disposal (est.)

$556~$20/CY (varies by area)

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Excavation is the first move on patios, sheds, drainage, and foundations — and the one with the most buried surprises. Before any dirt moves, call 811. After that, the planning is mostly about depth, where the dirt goes, and the fact that soil swells once you dig it.

DifficultyIntermediate

TimeA day with a rented mini-excavator for a modest dig; much longer by hand

SkillsHand-digging is hard labor; renting a mini-excavator speeds it up but has a learning curve

PermitsCall 811 first — always. Larger grading, anything near a foundation, or work that changes drainage may need a permit.

Tools you'll need

Shovel, mattock, and a digging bar
Wheelbarrow
Mini-excavator or skid steer (rent, for big jobs)
Plate compactor
String line and a laser or line level for depth

Step by step

Call 811 and mark the areaRequest a utility locate at least 2–3 business days ahead — it's free and the law (the exact notice window varies by state). Then stake and string the exact area and depth.
Strip and save the topsoilSkim off the good topsoil and pile it separately to reuse for grading or beds later.
Dig to depthExcavate to your planned depth, checking against a string line or laser. Keep cuts back from the house so you don't undermine the footing.
Plan for swell and haul-offDug soil expands about 25%, so loose volume (and truckloads) is more than the hole. Decide up front whether dirt is reused, spread, or hauled away.
Compact the subgradeCompact the bottom so whatever goes on top — gravel, slab, or footing — sits on firm ground.

Common mistakes

Not calling 811 before digging

Hitting a buried gas, power, or fiber line is dangerous and costly. The locate is free — always call first.

Forgetting soil swell

Loose soil is ~25% more volume than in the ground. Size your trucks and dump plan for the larger loose number.

Digging too close to the foundation

Undermining a footing is dangerous. Keep excavation back and shore deep cuts; get advice near structures.

Safety

Call 811 and confirm the locate before any digging.
Never enter a deep, unshored trench — collapses are deadly.
Keep the excavator's swing radius clear of people.

Frequently asked questions

How many cubic yards will I dig out?

Enter your area and depth above — the calculator returns in-ground cubic yards, loose (swelled) volume, and truckloads.

What is soil swell?

Soil expands roughly 25% once dug, so the loose pile (and the trucks to haul it) is bigger than the hole you measured.

Do I need to call before digging?

Yes — call 811 at least 2–3 business days ahead for a free utility locate. 811 is the nationwide number (it routes to your state's center), notifying is the law in every state, and the exact advance-notice window varies by state.