Bank volume vs what the truck hauls
Bank volume is soil still in the ground: dig length × dig width × depth. Once excavated, most soils swell — the same mass takes more truck space. This calculator applies your swell percent so haul quotes are closer to reality.
Overdig adds working room outside the finished basement walls for forms, waterproofing, and weeping tile. Typical residential overdig is half a metre to a metre each side — match the engineer or site plan.
Canadian basements and frost
Foundation depth follows local frost protection and the structural design — not a generic web number. Use the depth from your drawings (underside of footing or bottom of dig as specified). Clay, fill, and rock change production and swell; adjust the swell field or ask the excavator.
Print a dig sheet
Share PDF or save the sheet for the excavator, trucking, and the job file. Pair with the gravel calculator for backfill and the concrete calculator for footings and walls.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this excavation calculator free?
- Yes. Calculate, print, and share free. Save to Docs with a TradeInvoice account.
- What swell percent should I use?
- Many crews start around 20–30% for common soils. Rock and some clays differ. Confirm with the excavator for the site.
- Does this replace a site survey?
- No. It is a field estimate from rectangular plan sizes. Slopes, benches, and irregular digs need a proper takeoff.
More free tools
- Concrete calculator — m³, yards & bags for slabs, footings, and columns
- Basement waterproofing calculator — Membrane / coating area for foundation walls — rolls, waste, Canada
- Weeping tile calculator — Perimeter drain length, pipe sticks, fittings — Canadian basements
- Paint calculator — Litres and gallons for walls — coats, doors, windows, waste
- Free quote generator for labour and materials with Canadian tax
- Free invoice generator
- All free tools
- Free
- m³ + spoil
- Canada digs
- Live PDF