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A cubic yards of dirt calculator calculates the bulk soil volumes needed for land excavation or cavity fill. Soil volumes are divided into bank, loose, and compacted states to ensure hauling truck calculations match job site requirements.
Formula:
Cubic Yards = [Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)] ÷ 27
Worked Example: Excavating a cavity 50 ft long by 30 ft wide to a depth of 6 ft gives 333.33 cubic yards of undisturbed bank dirt, swelling to 400.00 loose yards for truck hauling.
How to Calculate Yards of Excavated Dirt
Bulk soil volumes are measured differently based on compaction levels. Undisturbed soil sits in its 'bank' state. Once loose, its volume swells up to 30% due to air entrainment. When backfilled and rolled, it shrinks below its original volume. These calculations align with the Caterpillar Performance Handbook standards [1], US Bureau of Reclamation earth moving guidelines [2], and ASTM D698 laboratory soil compaction test codes [3].
Soil Expansion & Compaction Reference Table
| Soil Class | Swell Factor (%) | Shrinkage Factor (%) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loam / Topsoil | 20% | 10% | Rich organic soil, average swelling |
| Clay | 30% | 15% | Dense, fine-grained, expands heavily |
| Sand & Gravel | 10% | 5% | Coarse grains, low air entrainment |
| Rock | 50% | -10% | Heavy fragmentation, loose state gaps |
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